Record Mexican Avocado Imports Drive Billions in U.S. Economic Output and Job Growth

Avocado imports from Mexico continue to serve as a significant catalyst for the U.S. economy, driving billions of dollars in economic output and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.

According to the latest 2023-2024 Economic Report from the Avocado Institute of Mexico, more than 2.4 billion pounds of Mexican Hass avocados were imported into the United States between July 2023 and June 2024, contributing $7.5 billion to U.S. economic output and supporting over 42,000 American jobs.

This robust trade relationship has notably increased the U.S. economic output by 340% in just over a decade. In particular, the avocado market’s growth reflects the rising demand among American consumers for heart-healthy foods, with avocados offering good fats and nearly 20 essential vitamins and minerals.

At 9.2 pounds per capita, U.S. avocado consumption remains high, and currently, only Mexico can meet this demand.

California and Texas, the two states with the highest avocado consumption, played a prominent role in this economic surge.

Together, these states accounted for 20% of the total U.S. economic output from avocado imports, translating to $965.2 million in California and $468.7 million in Texas. The economic ripple effect extends beyond consumption, benefiting industries related to transportation, retail, and food service.

The mutual benefits of this trade are not confined to the U.S. economy alone. Mexico’s avocado industry is also flourishing, supported by approximately 35,000 growers, most of whom operate small family farms.

These growers, aided by over 90 packing houses, generated $6 billion in economic output for Mexico in the last fiscal year. This trade partnership also strengthens economic stability in regions like Michoacán, a key avocado-producing area, boosting local employment and GDP.

Ron Campbell, Executive Director of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA), underscored the importance of this trade relationship.

“The new data validates the positive economic impact spurred by Americans’ embrace of the fruit, the mutually beneficial relationship between our two countries, and the importance of maintaining strong trade ties”

Ron Campbell, Executive Director of the MHAIA

Campbell emphasized the avocado industry’s role in providing employment and economic value, advocating for sustainable and responsible growth in both countries.

The impact of Mexican avocado imports is also highlighted by their impressive return on investment for the U.S. economy.

According to Dan Hanselka, Extension Program Specialist at Texas A&M University and co-author of the study, “Every dollar of Mexican Hass avocado imports in the fiscal year 2023/24 generated $2.13 in economic output in the U.S.” Hanselka’s analysis suggests that this trend is poised to continue, further amplifying economic gains over the coming years.

In addition to economic growth, marketing efforts have played a key role in boosting avocado consumption. Avocados From Mexico, a promotional organization, has facilitated a 120% increase in Mexican avocado imports to the U.S. over the past decade.

Alvaro Luque, CEO of Avocados From Mexico, credited their strategy for enhancing avocado demand by emphasizing “flavor, nutrition, and fun.” With avocados now present in about 70% of U.S. households, Luque believes there is still room for growth, especially as health-conscious consumers and younger generations explore new culinary uses for the fruit.

The collaborative efforts between organizations like the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA) and the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico (APEAM) have strengthened the avocado market and trade relations. These efforts ensure a steady supply of high-quality avocados, benefiting consumers, producers, and economies in both countries.

As the trade relationship continues to thrive, the economic benefits underscore the importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties. The avocado’s journey from Mexican farms to American tables represents not just a culinary trend, but a substantial contributor to economic prosperity on both sides of the border.