In week 43, Mexico exported 1,371 shipments of avocados to the United States market. The industry is maintaining a consistent export volume despite the decline.

A considerable amount of fruit came from the only alternative origin that was present, California. It seems that most retailers have returned to their full stock.

needs in Mexico have generated demand that has allowed total inventories to remain stable. The industry has found a balance between the

Supply and demand, even during the week there was an increase in the prices of caliber 48.

The fact that the overall rotation is perceived as adequate isn't necessarily true for some sizes, such as the 70s, which have been under more pressure and have even seen prices up to $3.00 lower than those in week 42 or the beginning of week 43. It's also true that, especially in border areas, some prices continue to be well below what the regular market has paid. Undoubtedly, this is fruit with compromised quality or fruit in the hands of distributors without proper channels. Similarly, the prices offered to producers rose a couple of pesos per kilo; however, the drop in other sizes prevented these prices from holding, and we've returned to farmgate prices similar to those of week 42, and it seems they will remain there, or at least there's no reason to expect any increase.

The second half of this year continues to set a record for the Mexican industry in terms of export volume, with a 14% increase in tonnage shipped compared to the same week last year (July season, week 43). Large exporters have adjusted their operations or are using other exporters to obtain the volume they require, and medium and small exporters are already operating at a good pace.

Regarding producers, municipalities in Jalisco have made more hectares available compared to last year, while Michoacán has done the opposite, a situation that has not affected the normal flow of fruit. The industry's size distribution remains dominated by 48s and 60s, with similar percentages for each of these sizes.

The amount of rainfall in the region has decreased substantially, although some rain has still fallen, and we are now in the final part of the season. As mentioned, the entire avocado-growing region had a good rainy season.

Sergio Paz Vega, General Manager, Coliman Avocados, sergio.paz@coliman.com , Mexico