Mexican Avocado Imports Jump 34% as 150 Pest Interceptions Deepen U.S. Security Fears
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 24
Mexican Avocado Imports Jump 34% as 150 Pest Interceptions Deepen U.S. Security Fears
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 24
Summary
670,026 metric tons of Mexican avocados entered the United States in the first half of 2026, up 34% from a year earlier, intensifying scrutiny of a supply chain tied to cartel violence.
More than 150 pest interceptions were reportedly recorded at Mexican packing facilities after a late-2024 U.S. inspection change reduced direct American oversight in orchards, alarming California growers.
Michoacán shipments recently resumed only after Mexico deployed more than 1,500 soldiers and National Guard personnel following a security crisis that halted U.S. agricultural operations.
Cartels in Michoacán have been accused of extorting growers; one exporter told AP he pays fees on every kilogram shipped, costing more than $5,000 a day.
California’s nearly 3,000 avocado growers contribute about $1.5 billion a year to the state economy, framing the dispute as both food-security and domestic-farm protection issue.