Mexico sends 1,500 troops to Michoacán after US halts avocado imports

Mexico deployed more than 1,500 troops to the state of Michoacán, the country’s main avocado‑producing region, on Thursday after the United States suspended its export inspections. The U.S. move, announced earlier this week, followed reports that Mexican police had discovered weapons caches and suspected organized‑crime activity linked to the avocado supply chain. The halt has frozen shipments to the United States, the largest buyer of Mexican avocados, and threatens to halt production for thousands of growers and workers.

The avocado industry is a key part of Mexico’s economy, generating over $1.5 billion in revenue last year and supporting 70,000 jobs in farming, packing and transport. The U.S. has been the biggest market, accounting for roughly 90 percent of exports. The inspection pause comes amid a broader crackdown on drug‑related violence in Michoacán, where cartel groups have long targeted the high‑value crop as a source of income. Officials say the weapons found were linked to a gang that has been known to threaten farmers and seize shipments.

Mexico’s army chief announced that the troops would secure key transport routes, inspect farms and assist local police. The government also promised to increase funding for rural security and to work with U.S. authorities to restore inspection services. In a statement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it was “working closely with Mexican officials to resolve the safety concerns and resume inspections as soon as possible.” The U.S. has offered to provide technical assistance and equipment to improve security in the region.

If the situation stabilises, shipments could resume within weeks, but analysts warn that the underlying violence may persist. The Mexican government is preparing a long‑term plan to diversify export markets and strengthen local policing. The next few days will see the army move into the state’s major transport hubs, while U.S. officials plan a joint security audit. The outcome will shape the future of a multibillion‑dollar industry that has become a staple of both Mexican and American diets.