Michoacan

Michoacán produces 68% of Mexico's avocados—the foundation of an export industry projected to reach $4 billion in 2025. The state's location in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Axis provides fertile, well-drained soils at elevations between 1,200-2,300 meters, enabling four overlapping annual blooms that ensure year-round production. With 256,500 hectares planted, Michoacán and Jalisco are the only states eligible to export avocados to the United States under USDA certification.

The Port of Lázaro Cárdenas—Mexico's second-largest container port—adds industrial dimension to the agricultural economy. In 2024, avocados ranked third among Mexico's agricultural exports, trailing only beer and tequila. The US accounts for over 80% of Mexican avocado exports, followed by Canada (7%) and Japan (3%). Since July 2024, USDA has remotely monitored orchard certifications, streamlining the export process.

By 2026, Michoacán will test whether avocado dominance can be sustained amid environmental pressure. Stricter land-use regulations and a deforestation-free certification program have limited new plantings—2024's planted area declined 1%. If sustainable practices maintain production while preserving forests, Michoacán models responsible agricultural scaling. If cartel violence disrupts supply chains or water stress reduces yields, the world's guacamole supply may face structural constraints.