Mexico has deployed an additional 1,500 troops to the violence-hit state of Michoacán after the United States temporarily suspended avocado inspections there over security concerns.
The move comes after the US halted inspections of avocado plantations and packing facilities in the state, disrupting exports from one of Mexico’s most important agricultural regions.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday that her administration was taking steps to strengthen security in Michoacán, where criminal groups have been fighting for control of the highly profitable avocado industry.
Growers, transporters and packing companies in the state have for years faced extortion from organised criminal groups, with some forced to pay substantial sums to continue operating. Authorities have also reported cases where criminal organisations established their own avocado farms.
US inspectors working in Michoacán have previously faced security threats. In 2024, Washington temporarily suspended avocado imports from the state after two US Department of Agriculture employees were reportedly kidnapped and assaulted.
A similar suspension occurred two years earlier after an inspector received a threatening phone call. In both cases, inspections and exports resumed within days.
The latest US decision could nevertheless have significant economic consequences for Michoacán, where about 200,000 people depend on the avocado industry.
The United States obtains roughly 90 per cent of its avocados from Mexico, meaning a prolonged disruption could also affect supplies and prices for American consumers.
Washington has not identified a specific incident that triggered the latest suspension. Instead, the State Department cited a “threat to U.S. interests.”
Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla described the move as a “preventive” measure following recent arrests of suspected criminals accused of extortion.
However, Juan Carlos Venegas, a representative of the state’s avocado industry, said authorities were understating the seriousness of the security situation.
Speaking to Radio Fórmula, Venegas said farmers had repeatedly appealed to the government for stronger action against extortion.
“It is very unfortunate that an entire industry, which generates millions of dollars in revenue for Mexico, has to be shut down,” he said. “We face total uncertainty.”
Mexico exported nearly $4 billion worth of avocados to the US last year. American authorities expect avocado imports to reach a record 2.8 million metric tons this year.
Industry experts said the impact on US consumers and avocado prices would largely depend on how long the inspection suspension remains in place.
The additional troop deployment is expected to strengthen security around avocado-producing areas as Mexican authorities seek to reassure both the industry and the United States that exports can resume safely.
