The International Trade Council welcomes the decision of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to lift the ban on Mexican avocado imports to the US. The ban, which was triggered by a threat to a US food inspector, had halted the primary supply of avocados to the US.
The import ban had a significant impact on the avocado industry in Mexico's Michoacan region, which supplies 80% of avocados to the US. The USDA had resumed its checks of avocados in the Michoacan region after Mexican authorities and avocado growers provided additional safety measures for inspectors.
The International Trade Council believes that the resumption of Mexican avocado imports to the US is a positive development for consumers, supermarkets, and the industry as a whole. The ban lasted only a week, and therefore, the council believes that consumers did not experience a significant price change or a shortage of avocados.
"The safety of USDA employees simply doing their jobs is of paramount importance," the USDA said. "USDA is appreciative of the positive, collaborative relationship between the United States and Mexico that made the resolution of this issue possible in a timely manner."
The International Trade Council recognizes the importance of international trade and cooperation. It believes that the resumption of Mexican avocado imports to the US is an indication of the positive and collaborative relationship between the two countries, and a win-win for both economies.
