California adjusts its supply in response to imports

California growers harvested 10.5 million pounds of Hass avocados, 700,000 pounds of Lamb Hass, and 73,000 pounds of GEM last week, bringing the state's total harvest to 11.3 million pounds. To date, California continues to make steady progress in the season, with the majority of production coming from the northern regions, as the season enters its final stretch.

Harvest volumes continue to decline from their seasonal peak, and as weekly production decreases, the industry expects inventories to begin adjusting and provide some support to the market. Despite steady consumer demand, prices have struggled for much of the season, as California fruit has competed against significant imported supplies from multiple sources.

This challenge has become one of the industry's biggest problems. The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has intensified its efforts in Washington to seek tariff protection on imported avocados. California growers aren't asking for special treatment, but rather a fair chance to compete. Domestic producers face some of the highest labor costs, water usage, environmental regulations, and food safety requirements in the world, while competing against imported fruit produced under very different economic conditions.

A balanced trade policy that recognizes these differences would help preserve U.S. avocado production, support thousands of farm jobs, and encourage continued investment in California agriculture. The goal is not to eliminate imports, which play a vital role in maintaining year-round availability, but to create a market where U.S. producers can compete on a level playing field.

The conversation extends beyond avocados to the future of American agriculture and whether domestic producers can continue investing in their farms while competing against lower-cost imports. Maintaining a healthy California avocado industry benefits retailers and consumers alike by ensuring a reliable domestic supply of high-quality fruit, reducing reliance on foreign production, and strengthening the nation's food security.

Looking ahead, the market will be watching the continued decline in California's harvest volumes, inventory movements, and any developments regarding trade policy. If supplies tighten as expected and demand remains healthy through the rest of the summer, market conditions could improve during the final weeks of the California season.

Market monitoring: As the harvest enters its final stages, increased focus is expected on weekly harvest numbers, total industry inventories, retail promotional activity, and any progress in Washington regarding the California Avocado Commission's trade initiatives. These factors will likely influence prices and market sentiment for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Gary Clevenger
Freska Produce International, LLC
gary@freskaproduce.com