Reuters reports that following the USDA’s decision to halt the inspections of mangoes and avocados in the state of Michoacán, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador asked his foreign ministry to intervene in the matter.
The news agency said the state, which borders the Pacific Ocean, exports around $3.5 billion in avocados a year to 30 countries, including the U.S.
“I hope that with the measures we are taking together with the U.S. embassy ... that the exports of this valuable product to the United States can be resumed in the next few hours,” Ramirez said earlier in the week, Reuters reported.
The USDA told The Packer the pause would remain in place until security, protocols and safeguards are in place for its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service inspectors.
“The pause of the inspection programs does not affect avocados and mangos in transit,” the department said.
Related: USDA pauses mango and avocado inspections in Michoacán
