“Mexican Green Gold” is a nickname for avocados, reflecting both their vibrant green color and their enormous economic value. Driven by strong global demand, avocado exports generate billions of dollars annually for Mexico’s economy.
Mexico remains the world’s leading avocado producer and exporter. In 2025, the country set a new export record, generating $3.966 billion in international avocado shipments. The achievement secured Mexico a 40.1% share of the global avocado export market and marked a 3.6% increase from the previous year.
Weather and Agricultural Advances Drive Growth
Favorable weather conditions and improved farming practices are expected to support an even larger and higher-quality harvest in 2026. Late-season rains in 2025 extended through November and early December, replenishing aquifers in major growing regions. Combined with mild December temperatures ranging from 68 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit, these conditions are expected to improve flowering and fruit development, resulting in larger, higher-quality avocados.
Advances in orchard management have also contributed to the industry’s growth. Although approximately 65% of avocado groves still rely on rainfall, producers in Michoacán and Jalisco are increasingly adopting pressurized irrigation systems to improve water efficiency and nutrient delivery.
Michoacán and Jalisco Lead Production
Michoacán and Jalisco remain Mexico’s leading avocado-producing states, accounting for approximately 85% of total production. They are also the only states authorized to export avocados to the United States. The Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development recognizes both regions as pest-free zones, giving local producers a competitive advantage in domestic and international markets.
According to forecasts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Mexican avocado production will reach 2.8 million metric tons in 2026, a 3% increase over 2025 and a new all-time high. Mexico is expected to account for approximately 28% of global avocado production.
The USDA projects that cultivated acreage will remain stable at approximately 268,000 hectares.
Other major avocado exporters and their shares of global exports include the Netherlands (14.5%), Peru (13.8%), Spain (5.8%), and Chile (4.0%).
