Mexico’s avocado exports to China reached a record high between January and August this year. Data from China Customs shows that during the first eight months of 2021, China imported 24,670 metric tons of avocados, of which 5,539 metric tons or 22.5% were imported from Mexico.
China imported 18,912 metric tons of avocados during the first eight months of 2020, of which 1,804 metric tons or 9.5% originated from Mexico, while the latter figure represents an increase of 207% year-on-year for avocado imports from Mexico.
Mexico’s avocado exports to the US are expected to decline by 8% between July and June of this year to an estimated 1.33 million metric tons, according to a report by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Mexico will continue to be the largest exporter of avocados to the United States, receiving approximately 80% of its exports every year.
Avocado demand in the United States is typically high during the Big Game (January to February) and the Cinco de Mayo holiday (April to May). As of now, however, the only avocados allowed into the U.S. are those from Michoacán.
Mexico’s avocados are also exported to Canada, Japan, and Spain, while China represents less than 1% of total exports.
With approximately 30% of the global avocado harvest coming from Mexico, the country is the world’s largest avocado producer. Avocado production is forecasted at 2.33 million metric tons in MY 2021/22, an 8% decline from MY 2020/21 as a result of reduced tree productivity.
Currently, Hass cultivars account for 97% of Mexico’s avocado production, with Criollo and Fuerte cultivars comprising the rest of the 3%.
Recent years have seen the planted area for avocados in Mexico increase by an average of 3% each year due to strong market demand and high profitability.
MY 2021/22 is expected to see 227,126 hectares planted and 225,910 hectares harvested, respectively.
The peak season for Mexican avocados is between October and February, with an average supply from March to May and a limited supply between June and September.
