I represent Mexican avocado importers. Here’s what America’s 30-year avocado habit means for the tariff fight

I’m a former USDA official, and now I represent Mexican avocado importers. Read what follows with that in mind. Let’s take a closer look at America’s nearly 30-year love affair with the avocado.

As the United States prepares to revisit the USMCA, recent calls by congress to impose new limits on Mexican avocado imports have reignited debate over how best to support California growers. 

Tariff rate quotas (TRQs) won’t fix the unique problems and production costs that California faces. Instead, they would create an economic headache, straining supply and jeopardizing America’s jobs, health and wallets. Seasonal tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) would limit Mexican supply during the March–September window, when imports are roughly half of U.S. supply. They would raise prices without addressing growers’ underlying costs.

Their concerns deserve attention. American farmers deserve policies that help them compete and thrive. California growers face real pressures, including high input, land and water costs.

Mexican avocados reached the U.S. in stages. Alaska got access in 1993. In 1997, the USDA allowed Mexican Hass avocados into 19 northeastern states, for part of the year. Year-round access to all 50 states began February 1, 2007. California growers fought the earlier expansions in court. While some states began receiving Mexican avocados........

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