Americans have developed a strong affinity for avocados, with a significant portion of the fruit consumed in the United States originating from a single state in Mexico. This dependency becomes evident when there are disruptions in avocado imports. Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture halted inspections of avocados and mangoes set for shipment from Mexico, citing security concerns for its workers stationed in Michoacán, a state in western Mexico where criminal groups have attempted to infiltrate the flourishing avocado industry. The U.S. ambassador to Mexico announced that inspections would gradually resume after a visit to Michoacán to engage with state and federal authorities.
Key Points about Avocado Trade:
- Origins: The average American now consumes over eight pounds of avocados annually, a significant increase from previous years. The surge in demand has been primarily met through imports. In 2023, the United States imported a record 2.8 billion pounds of avocados, constituting approximately 90% of the fruit supply, a stark rise from 40% two decades ago. The majority of U.S. avocado imports are sourced from Mexico, which has emerged as the world’s leading producer, largely due to the escalating demand from U.S. consumers. The avocado production in Mexico is predominantly concentrated in Michoacán.
- California Production: Although California produces about 90% of the avocados cultivated in the United States, the state’s farms have faced challenges in recent years due to irregular weather patterns associated with climate change such as droughts and wildfires. These factors have further contributed to the country’s reliance on avocado imports.
