USA stops avocado shipments to Mexico due to inspector incident

(Bloomberg) — The U.S. has suspended avocado shipments from Mexico following an incident that reportedly compromised the safety of American agricultural inspectors.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture notified Mexico’s avocado exporters and packers of the decision late on June 14, according to a statement from the trade group seen by Bloomberg. While the statement did not describe the incident, local press reports said two inspectors were detained against their will and assaulted during a protest over police pay.

This is the second ban on Mexican avocados in the last two and a half years. It temporarily disrupts the main supply of the popular fruit to Americans. Mexico exports most of its avocados to the United States.

Mexican authorities have struggled to maintain security in the state of Michoacán, the country’s largest avocado producer, where gang violence and extortion are widespread. A February 2022 ban, prompted by a threat against an inspector, lasted a week while the Michoacán government implemented a security plan.

A spokesperson for APEAM had no immediate comment. A call and email to the USDA were not immediately returned.

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