The United States announced the suspension of all its activities in the state of Michoacán, where it maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory due to security concerns. This will affect avocado exports from the state.
“Due to a threat against US interests, US government activities in the state of Michoacán have been suspended as of August 5. It is important to remember that the US travel advisory designates Michoacán as a Level 4 Do Not Travel area,” the statement reads.
The reaction from avocado growers in the state was swift. The Association of Avocado Producers and Exporters of Mexico (APEAM) issued a statement warning of the consequences of this measure for trade.
“We are informing you that today we received a security alert from the United States government ordering the temporary suspension of operations in the state of Michoacán. This measure directly impacts the work of USDA regulatory officers responsible for verifying compliance with the Operational Work Plan (PTO) at packing facilities authorized for export,” the group stated.
Members of the APEAM Board of Directors and its executive will travel to Mexico City to meet with the relevant authorities to address security issues and manage the necessary actions to minimize the impact on the avocado industry.
