Mexico halts U.S.-bound avocado loads

Mexico’s avocado export flow to the United States has been temporarily halted following a suspension notice issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with the measure confirmed by the Association of Avocado Producers and Exporting Packers of Mexico (APEAM).

The stoppage affects shipments originating from Michoacán, Mexico’s leading avocado-exporting state and the only region currently authorised to ship fresh avocados to the U.S. under the bilateral phytosanitary programme.

According to industry data, Mexico exported more than 135,000 tonnes of avocados to the U.S. over the previous six weeks, moved through over 5,000 individual shipments prior to the suspension.

The trade is heavily concentrated on the Hass variety, which represents the core export segment supplied to the U.S. retail and foodservice markets. Other Mexican avocado types, including Fuerte, Bacon and Criollo, exist commercially but play a marginal role in export programmes compared with Hass.

APEAM indicated that the suspension was triggered by a USDA notification linked to operational and inspection-related conditions, prompting the immediate pause of packing and export logistics destined for the U.S. market while protocols are reviewed.

Despite the halt, fruit already inspected and in transit continues moving through the supply chain, limiting immediate disruption to arrivals. Industry and government stakeholders are working to restore normal inspection activity and resume shipments as soon as clearance is granted.

source: usda.gov, apeamac.com, frutasdechile.cl

photo: frutasdechile.cl