U.S.-Mexico Avocado Trade Fuels Economic Growth

DALLAS, Oct 21, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Decades of cross-border trade have bolstered the U.S. avocado market, supporting more than 37,000 American jobs and contributing $4.4 billion to U.S. GDP. According to a new economic analysis from Texas A&M University, Mexican Hass avocado imports generated an estimated $7.1 billion in U.S. economic output in fiscal year 2025/26. This figure highlights the value of a deeply integrated U.S.-Mexico avocado supply chain.

For every $1 of Mexican Hass avocado imports, $2.21 in economic output was generated across the U.S. economy.

The findings underscore the economic impact of decades of cross-border trade, supporting American industries such as transportation and warehousing, wholesale and retail, manufacturing, foodservice, and more. U.S. avocado consumption has surged, increasing 666% from the late 1990s through 2024/25, rising from 424.4 million pounds to 3.25 billion pounds. This growth can be attributed to increased availability of Mexican Hass avocados, changing consumer food preferences, and promotion programs led by Avocados From Mexico.

During the 2026 season, Mexican Hass avocado imports reached a record 2.76 billion pounds, providing important context for the category's long-term growth. Since fiscal year 2012/13, the value of Mexican Hass avocado imports has increased 220%, from $991.9 million to $3.2 billion. The economic output generated by these imports has increased more than 320%, from $1.7 billion to $7.1 billion. Over the same period, the contribution to U.S. GDP has increased nearly 270%, while labor income, tax contributions, and employment have increased 243%, 400%, and 230%, respectively.

The benefits of this integrated supply chain extend to both sides of the border. A separate economic analysis by economist Manuel Molano estimates that the Mexican avocado industry generates approximately $6 billion in economic output and supports more than 78,000 jobs in Mexico. Together, the findings of both studies illustrate how an interconnected North American avocado trade generates more than $13 billion in economic output and supports 115,000 jobs, as well as businesses and livelihoods across the U.S. and Mexico.

Within the U.S., the impact is visible at the state level. In California, an estimated $605.1 million in Mexican Hass avocado imports generated $968.2 million in state economic output, contributed $580.9 million to state GDP, and supported 5,325 jobs in fiscal year 2025/26. In Texas, $245.1 million in imports generated $428.9 million in economic output, contributed $265.5 million to state GDP, and supported more than 2,400 jobs.

The report emphasizes how a product grown in Mexico creates economic activity across businesses, industries, and communities throughout the United States. The growth of the avocado category over the past three decades is a powerful example of how integrated North American trade can create value for workers, businesses, and consumers on both sides of the border.