U.S. Halts Michoacan Avocado Inspections As Mexico Sends 1,500 Troops
The United States suspended USDA inspections and other government operations in Michoacan on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, citing a non-specific threat to U.S. interests and pausing avocado exports.[1]
Mexico began deploying 1,500 additional troops to Michoacan on Thursday, Aug. 6, to secure production areas and speed a safe resumption of exports.[1] The move aims to protect a supply chain that sends more than 80% of U.S. avocados from Mexico and that generated $3.7 billion in Mexican sales in 2025.
A pause in 2024 followed assaults and the brief detentions of two USDA inspectors in Michoacan.[1] Officials say this week's halt was preventive and tied to recent arrests in extortion investigations rather than to a direct attack on inspectors.
A Michoacan producer told AP he pays 1 peso per kilo in cartel extortion and exports about 90 metric tons daily, illustrating criminal groups' dependence on continued trade.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the U.S. suspended USDA inspections and other government operations in Michoacan over a non-specific threat to U.S. interests.
- Mexico began deploying 1,500 additional troops to Michoacan on Thursday, August 6, 2026, to secure avocado production areas and speed resumption of exports.
- More than 80% of avocados consumed in the U.S. come from Mexico, generating $3.7 billion in sales for Mexico in 2025, and Michoacan is the primary authorized exporting state.
- A past 2024 pause followed assaults and brief detentions of two USDA inspectors in Michoacan; this time officials describe the halt as a preventive step tied to recent extortion-related arrests.
- A Michoacan producer told AP he pays 1 peso per kilo in cartel extortion, exporting about 90 metric tons daily, illustrating criminal groups' dependence on continued trade.
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