US resumes imports of Mexican avocado

On Friday, the USDA and APHIS announced that imports of avocado from Mexico have resumed, following the resumption of its avocado inspection programme in Michoacan. The move comes a week after the USDA halted export inspection of avocados in Michoacán after an inspector received threats on an official cell phone while working in the region. APHIS, working closely with the US Embassy in Mexico’s Regional Security Officer, Mexico’s national plant protection organisation (SENASICA), and the Association of Avocado Producers and Packers Exporters of Mexico (APEAM) have enacted additional measures that enhance safety for APHIS’ inspectors working in the field.

Mexico accounts for US$ 2.8 billion of the US$ 3 billion of avocados imported to the US. The US absorbs 78% of all Michoacán’s avocado exports. The two countries have said they will continue working together to fortify the strong bilateral supply chains that promote economic growth and prosperity.