Avocado trade in turn-of-season flux: Mexico dominates the US, while Chile leads Europe and China

The global avocado market ended October in a balancing act, according to industry insider Avobook, with volumes and prices shifting across continents as northern demand met the tail end of the southern hemisphere supply. 

From strong arrivals in the US to softer prices in Europe, and fluctuating shipments in China, the end of the month marked a clear turning point in the international avocado season.

US avocado imports stay strong

Avocado shipments to the US remained robust through October, with weekly imports totaling around 1,600 shipments. This represents a year-on-year increase of between six and 15 percent. Mexico continued to dominate the market, providing 94 percent of the total supply.

In the final week of the month, total arrivals to the US decreased slightly, as Mexican shipments fell by two percent. However, other origins posted significant upticks, including California (up 35 percent), the Dominican Republic (up 25 percent), and Chile (up six percent).

Prices showed mixed signals. Smaller fruit sizes fell by as much as 23 percent earlier in the month, while larger ones (31-40 count) rose 17 percent by week 44. Mid-range sizes also increased between five and six percent.

Europe sees price pressure

European imports slowed, falling from 653 to 602 containers. This shift represents a seven percent week-on-week decline, but it’s still slightly higher than the same period in 2024. Chile expanded its lead as the region’s top supplier, increasing its share from 29 to 56 percent. Colombian shipments also expanded by 17.5 percent, and Israel by 13 percent.

In Rotterdam, prices softened across most calibers, some by as much as 24 percent. Conversely, Spain experienced a modest recovery, with prices increasing by an average of 10 percent and stable performance across most sizes.

China maintains growth

The Asian Giant continued to show long-term growth, with arrivals increasing by 32 percent year-on-year. Weekly volumes rose 47 percent following a brief 19 percent dip in late October.

Chile supplied 68 percent of China’s avocados, while Peru contributed 32 percent. Despite an increase in total arrivals, prices for medium sizes edged below levels recorded over the past two years.

With Peru nearing the end of its export season, Chile is emerging as the top exporter, shipping approximately 470 containers per week, with volumes exceeding those of 2024.

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