Mexican Avocado Exports to US Resume: Cartel Fears Still Cast a Long Shadow
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Avocado shipments from Mexico's Michoacán state have officially restarted their journey to U.S. markets, bringing a sigh of relief to thousands of workers and consumers alike after a week-long US security alert halted inspections. The lifting of the ban, which temporarily choked off nearly 80% of America's avocado supply, means pickers like Francisco Isidro are back on the job, but the deeper issue of security threats from powerful Mexican cartels remains a thorny problem for the lucrative 'green gold' industry. The suspension, enacted in early August 2026, was triggered by various serious threats, including a threatening call to a USDA APHIS inspector, reports of inspectors being physically assaulted, and concerns over criminal networks compromising product traceability through the Comprehensive Avocado Harvesting System (SICOA). Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, alongside Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, responded swiftly, deploying over 1,500 additional troops to the avocado-growing region and making arrests related to extortion. This rapid deployment and cooperation with US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson were crucial in paving the way for inspections to resume, yet the pervasive influence of cartels demanding extortion fees from growers and transporters highlights the industry's vulnerability. While orchards buzz with activity again, the calm might be temporary. The California Avocado Commission has already seized on these security breaches and traceability concerns to renew its calls for seasonal Tariff-rate quotas on Mexican avocados, arguing for stronger monitoring and protection for domestic growers. As Mexico continues its fight against criminal groups embedded in its most profitable agricultural sector, the global avocado market will be closely watching whether these renewed security measures can truly guarantee long-term stability or if the 'green gold' will remain under the shadow of persistent threats.