The supply of avocados, as well as other fruits and vegetables, are some of the newest concerns raised by the potential border closure threatened by Trump. It is estimated that if the border closes America will run out of avocados in just three weeks, in addition, nearly half of all imported fruits and vegetables are supplied by Mexico. The shutdown would greatly affect trade with specifically $137 billion in food imports alone.
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Steve Bannard, head of Mission Produce, who oversees the world’s largest distributor and grower of avocados has raised his concern on the issue. “You couldn’t pick a worse time of year because Mexico supplies virtually 100 percent of the avocados in the U.S. right now. California is just starting and they have a very small crop, but they’re not relevant right now and won’t be for another month or so.”
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In the grand scheme Mexico supplies 44% of all imported fruits and vegetables, a number which has tripled is 1999. Imported tomatoes, cucumbers, blackberries, and raspberries nearly all come from Mexico. Other global producers of the goods are available, however, it would take time before any trade deals became official. This would likely lead to many shortages throughout the country.
