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Mexico Destroys 52 Tons of Avocados After Seed Weevil Detection

Mexican authorities destroyed up to 52 tons of avocados over the weekend after discovering seed weevil larvae in export shipments. The pest threatens a trade corridor worth $641.5 million annually in cross-border transportation and warehousing activity.

Environmental officials in Michoacán confirmed the pest detection in fruit intended for U.S. markets. Growers across Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima and Nayarit burned and buried the contaminated fruit under phytosanitary protocols. Mexico's SENASICA agency supported the disposal effort to prevent infestation spread.

The seed weevil damages avocados by boring into seeds and can spread rapidly through orchards if left unchecked. Officials confirmed the affected fruit never reached commercial channels.

Mexico is forecast to export approximately 1.31 million metric tons of avocados globally in 2026, with roughly 1.2 million metric tons destined for the United States. Only Michoacán and Jalisco currently hold authorization to ship avocados to U.S. markets.