President Claudia Sheinbaum is faced with the challenge of protecting Mexico's top position in the North American fruit and vegetable market while also combating drug cartels that threaten its economy.
President Claudia Sheinbaum is tackling a complex situation where she must defend Mexico's leading role in the North American fruit and vegetable market, particularly concerning avocados and guacamole. The state of Michoacán, known for avocado production, is heavily impacted by drug cartels that control the routes to the U.S. border, imposing significant costs on this vital sector through extortion and violence. Reports indicate that these activities contribute over $700 million in additional expenses to the avocado industry each year.
Sheinbaum's administration is under pressure not only to safeguard economic interests but also to respond to potential U.S. military intervention given the extent of cartel control over a third of Mexican territory. This looming threat adds urgency to the government's efforts as the avocado season peaks during the Super Bowl, a key event that dramatically boosts avocado sales in the U.S. The exportation of 127,000 tons of avocados underscores the significance of this demand and the need for Sheinbaum to navigate these challenges effectively.
As the avocado business is central to Mexico's economy, the interplay between managing agricultural exports and addressing the violence of the drug trade presents a formidable test for Sheinbaum. Mexican officials are concerned that without decisive action, both the avocado industry and broader economic stability may suffer, which could have long-lasting implications for the region's agricultural identity and its standing in international markets.
