The United States lifted a security alert on Aug. 13 [2], allowing avocado export inspections to resume in Michoacán, Mexico.
The restart is critical for the region's economy because Michoacán is Mexico's primary avocado-producing state. Local laborers and exporters rely almost exclusively on the U.S. market for their livelihood, making any regulatory or security-based halt a direct threat to their income.
U.S. officials suspended technical services and export inspections on Aug. 5 [1] due to security concerns linked to cartel-related violence in the region. The suspension effectively froze the movement of fruit across the border, as U.S. inspectors could not safely operate in the affected areas.
Francisco Isidro, an avocado picker, said the dependence on U.S. regulatory decisions creates extreme vulnerability for workers. "If the United States says that it is suspending technical services for security reasons, it’s impossible to export," Isidro said. "If it’s for a plant health, it’s the same."
Mexican authorities and U.S. embassy officials worked to stabilize the situation before the alert was lifted. A Mexican agriculture official said they are grateful the alert has been lifted and are working to ensure the safety of workers.
Despite the resumption of activities, the situation remains fragile. A U.S. Embassy spokesperson said the United States continues to monitor the security situation in Michoacán and will adjust services as needed.
The return to work comes after a period of high tension in western Mexico. While the U.S. has fully restarted activities throughout the state, the brief halt highlighted how quickly geopolitical and security risks can disrupt global food supply chains.
“"If the United States says that it is suspending technical services for security reasons, it’s impossible to export."”
The volatility of avocado exports from Michoacán underscores the intersection of international trade and regional security. Because the U.S. maintains strict phytosanitary and security protocols for imports, the Mexican agricultural sector remains highly susceptible to sudden disruptions caused by non-state actors, such as cartels. This creates a precarious economic environment where the stability of thousands of jobs depends on the perceived safety levels of U.S. government personnel.
