MEXICO CITY — On Friday, the U.S. government announced an extension of import permissions for avocados from Guatemala, but this development is unlikely to lead to lower prices for guacamole in the near future.

For almost three decades, Mexico has dominated the avocado import market in the United States, supplying the vast majority of avocados while only a limited quantity has come from South America. This monopoly has primarily stemmed from concerns over potential plant diseases and pests that could pose a threat to American agriculture.

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala reported that the initial estimates for avocado exports from Guatemala could reach around 1,700 tons each year. However, this figure pales in comparison to Mexico’s staggering annual export volume of approximately 1.4 million tons.

In a significant move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a new finding that permits the entry of Guatemalan avocados. The department indicated that the potential risks associated with importing fresh Hass avocados and the introduction or transmission of plant pests could be effectively managed through a systems approach, which would incorporate registered commercial fruit, packing houses, and production locations along with additional safety measures.

For years, the U.S. has endeavored to implement similar safety measures for the avocados coming from Mexico. However, U.S. inspectors have occasionally faced threats or violence when attempting to uphold these regulations.

The embassy clarified that despite the publication of new rules, several additional steps must be conducted before avocado exports can commence. This likely means that both orchards and packing facilities must go through a registration and inspection process.

Officials indicated that this announcement represents a significant advancement for Guatemalan Hass avocados aiming to enter U.S. markets, which could lead to economic growth for local farmers. It was also noted that the integration of Guatemalan avocados into the U.S. market is expected to generate new job opportunities and increase income levels, thereby providing better prospects for local communities and alternatives to irregular migration.

While the avocado industry has significantly benefitted many small-scale farmers in Mexico, it has also been linked to environmental issues, such as deforestation, resulting from the conversion of native pine forests into avocado orchards. Moreover, growers and packing facilities in Mexico have faced pressures from drug cartels, further complicating the landscape of avocado production in the region.