California Avocado Producers Demand Tariffs, Stricter Inspections on Mexican Imports Amid Security Concerns

California avocado growers are renewing their calls for stricter regulations on Mexican avocado imports, demanding tariffs and enhanced inspections. This comes after the U.S. State Department suspended government activities in Michoacán due to security threats, maintaining a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory for the state.

Michoacán is Mexico's primary avocado-exporting region, supplying most of the avocados imported into the United States. The U.S. Treasury Department has highlighted rampant extortion by cartels against farmers and packers in Michoacán's agricultural sector. These security concerns have repeatedly hampered U.S. inspections and reduced oversight of orchards.

Ken Melban, president of the California Avocado Commission, stated that the Trump administration was right to protect U.S. personnel and confront cartels. He asserted that the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Agriculture are well-positioned to act. Melban argued that cartels should not be allowed to exploit the USMCA trade agreement to undermine U.S. producers and domestic production, aligning with an "America First" agenda.

Melban expressed that U.S. producers cannot compete when market rules are replaced by "the Wild West." He urged for seasonal tariffs on Mexican avocados and a full reinstatement of rigorous USDA inspections before any Mexican avocados are allowed into the U.S. market, demanding an end to "business as usual" with Mexico.