U.S.-Mexico Avocado Dispute
Pest concerns kept Mexican avocados out of U.S. markets for decades, despite NAFTA. A 1914 ban cited seed weevil risks, but pressure mounted as Mexico’s Hass avocado production expanded. California growers lobbied to maintain restrictions while Mexico pushed for market access. Partial lifting began in 1997, with full access granted by 2007, making Mexico the top U.S. avocado supplier.
