Last week, Mexico harvested 29,733 tons of avocados, of which 23,128 tons were exported, representing a 77% yield. Although the numbers are encouraging, the season has been marked by uncertainty and challenges.

Yesterday, approximately 3,500 tons that had remained in inventory from last week were shipped, demonstrating the efficiency of the sector.

Through week 12, 896,745 tons were harvested with an export of 767,523 tons, representing a yield for the entire season of 86%.

In the harvest we have 7% less than the previous season but a price difference of around 100% above last year.

With an estimated 270,000 tons for the remainder of the harvest, the average weekly harvest to finish the season is 18,000 tons, giving us an idea of the production that is still to come.

The drought that affected the avocado-producing region has had a significant impact on yield per hectare, which has been the lowest on record at 6.09 tons. However, the price of avocados has increased by 100% compared to last year, providing some relief for producers.

The industry is on tenterhooks awaiting President Trump's decision on imposing tariffs on avocado imports from Mexico to the United States. Because of this, a strong harvest of over 30,000 tons is expected this week. Producers' strategy is to build up inventory to cope with the uncertainty surrounding President Trump's decree on April 2nd. The area available for harvest is 42,793 hectares, virtually the same as last week.

Let's hope that Mexican avocados will be exempt from tariffs and that the industry can continue to grow, giving us more certainty in exports to the United States.

Have a great week everyone, and we hope next week will be even better.

Antonio Villaseñor Zurita, Mexico, antoniovz@aztecavo.com.mx