US suspends Mexican avocado imports on eve of Super Bowl
PBS NewsHourSep 21, 2021
US Suspends Mexican Avocado Imports Over Cartel Threats
Image copyright: Getty Images / Justin Sullivan
The Facts
The US has placed a temporary ban on all imports of Mexican avocados.
This comes after a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspector in Michoacán was reportedly threatened by a drug cartel member.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This isn't the first time US inspectors have been harassed by Mexican gangs. In 2019, the USDA said further threats or acts of violence would lead to consequences, and it's simply living up to this promise.The suspension is justified until the Mexican government can secure the safety of US workers.
Establishment-critical narrative
This has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with politics; the US is seeking to manipulate the lucrative avocado industry to its advantage.
Cynical narrative
The USDA may be right to suspend activities until the safety of its workers is ensured, but if it wants to blame the cartels, perhaps it should look a little closer to home to understand why they proliferate.