Mexican Avocado Trade Generates $7.1 Billion Across U.S. Economy

Mexican Hass avocado imports generated an estimated $7.1 billion in U.S. economic output and supported more than 37,000 American jobs during fiscal 2025-26, according to a new analysis from Texas A&M University.

The study found $3.2 billion worth of imported Mexican Hass avocados contributed $4.4 billion to U.S. gross domestic product while generating $2.4 billion in labor income and approximately $1 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.

For every $1 in Mexican Hass avocado imports, researchers estimated $2.21 in economic output was generated within the United States.

That activity extends well beyond the produce department.

The report attributes economic benefits to transportation and warehousing, wholesale and retail businesses, manufacturing, restaurants and other foodservice operations throughout the supply chain.

“This report demonstrates the value of a deeply integrated North American supply chain built over decades between Mexico and the United States,” said Ron Campbell, executive director of the Mexican Hass Avocado Import Association. “Mexican avocados don’t simply cross the border, they generate economic activity throughout the U.S. economy, supporting transportation and distribution networks, retailers, restaurants and communities across the country.”

Mexican Hass avocado imports reached a record 2.76 billion pounds during the 2026 season.

That volume reflects the dramatic growth of the overall U.S. avocado category.

American avocado consumption increased 666% from the late 1990s through the 2024-25 season, climbing from 424.4 million pounds to 3.25 billion pounds.

Since fiscal 2012-13, the value of Mexican Hass avocado imports has increased 220%, from $991.9 million to $3.2 billion. The economic output attributed to those imports increased more than 320%, from $1.7 billion to $7.1 billion.

California and Texas are among the biggest beneficiaries. In California, $605.1 million in Mexican Hass avocado imports generated an estimated $968.2 million in state economic output and supported 5,325 jobs. Texas received $245.1 million in imports that generated $428.9 million in economic activity and supported more than 2,400 jobs.

Still, the study found roughly 78% to 81% of the total U.S. economic contribution occurred outside California and Texas, illustrating the nationwide reach of the avocado supply chain.

The analysis was commissioned by the Mexican Hass Avocado Import Association and the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico and conducted by Texas A&M researchers using the IMPLAN economic modeling system.

For the produce industry, the findings put numbers behind a category that has become increasingly dependent on cross-border trade.

Year-round Mexican supply has helped transform avocados from a more seasonal purchase into a produce-department staple, while creating economic activity at nearly every stage between the orchard and the consumer.