The US partially resumes avocado export operations in Michoacán

The US partially resumes avocado export operations in Michoacán

After the deployment of the National Guard in Michoacán, the US ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, took to X on Friday evening to announce that government activities in the state would partially resume starting August 8th.

In an official statement, the US representative stated that official operations will begin again in Tancítaro, Tacámbaro, Uruapan, and the area between Morelia and Patzcuaro. 

michoacan avocados

Image courtesy of Avocados from Mexico.

The announcement comes after a security alert issued by the US government on August 4 halted official US operations in the area, including USDA inspections, effectively suspending the export of Mexican avocados to the United States.

According to American authorities, security requirements for the normal functioning of phytosanitary inspections in fields and packing houses in Michoacán were not being met, instantly triggering a level 4 "Do not travel" alert by the local US embassy. 

"We appreciate the cooperation of the Government of Mexico and the actions it has taken to help strengthen security for US personnel and the people of Michoacán," Johnson wrote. "A secure agricultural sector benefits both of our nations by securing food production, strengthening supply chains, and supporting economic prosperity."

The diplomat said his office will continue to evaluate local conditions and adjust operations accordingly. However, he didn't provide a timeline for the full resumption of US government activities. 

 

Good news for the Michoacán avocado industry

Right after Johnson's announcement, the Association of Avocado Producers and Exporting Packers of Mexico (APEAM, for its Spanish acronym) celebrated the news with a post on LinkedIn, calling the move a "significant step forward."

The organization also thanked Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum and Ambassador Johnson for their work and willingness to strengthen security in Michoacán. 

michoacan avocado imports

Image courtesy of Avocados from Mexico.

"This is a big step for [the state] and brings greater certainty to the ag sector, which creates jobs, strengthens supply chains, and contributes to the well-being of communities in Mexico and the United States," read a letter signed by APEAM's General Director, Luis Javier de la Rocha Zazueta, and Board Chair Raúl Ernesto Martínez Pulido. 

According to local media reports, the US announcement resulted in the release of 1,000 tons of avocados for export to the United States.

 


The second edition of the Global Avocado Summit will be held on November 11, 2026, at the Monticello Casino Events Center in Santiago, Chile. Organized by Paltas de Chile and Yentzen Group, the meeting seeks to bring together the main players in a growing industry

The event has established itself as a key space for addressing commercial and sustainability issues in the industry, bringing together producers, exporters, buyers, certifiers, and innovators to analyze the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

For more info, contact events@yentzengroup.com


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