Avocado Imports From Mexico Generated $7.1 Billion in U.S. Output

Mexican Hass avocado imports generated an estimated $7.1 billion in U.S. economic output and supported more than 37,000 American jobs in fiscal year 2025/26, according to a new economic analysis from Texas A&M University. That's the headline number. The $3.2 billion in imports that flowed across the border last year returned $2.21 in U.S. economic output for every import dollar spent.

The U.S. Economic Contributions of Hass Avocado Imports report, authored by Dr. Gary W. Williams and Dan Hanselka, traces the money well beyond the produce aisle. The study credits the imports with $4.4 billion in U.S. GDP, $2.4 billion in labor income and $1 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue. Transportation and warehousing, wholesale and retail, manufacturing and foodservice all take a share.

How big is the demand behind this?

Bigger than most people assume. U.S. avocado consumption rose 666% from the late 1990s through 2024/25 — from 424.4 million pounds to 3.25 billion pounds. To put that in perspective, American households now eat roughly eight times the avocados they did a generation ago.

The 2026 season set a record: 2.76 billion pounds of Mexican Hass avocados crossed into the U.S. The report credits increased availability, shifting consumer preferences and promotion programs run by Avocados From Mexico for the category's climb.

What does the growth look like over time?

Since FY 2012/13, the value of Mexican Hass imports has jumped 220%, from $991.9 million to $3.2 billion. The economic output those imports generate has grown even faster — more than 320%, from $1.7 billion to $7.1 billion. Over the same stretch, GDP contribution rose nearly 270%, labor income 243%, tax contributions 400% and employment 230%.

The value is split across the border. A separate analysis by economist Manuel Molano estimates the Mexican avocado industry generates about $6 billion in output and supports more than 78,000 jobs in Mexico. Combine the two studies and North American avocado trade produces over $13 billion in economic output and roughly 115,000 jobs on both sides.

Ron Campbell, executive director of the Mexican Hass Avocado Import Association, framed it plainly: "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."

Where does the U.S. impact land?

Not just in California and Texas, though both states do well. In California, $605.1 million in imports produced $968.2 million in state economic output, $580.9 million in state GDP and 5,325 jobs in FY 2025/26. In Texas, $245.1 million in imports generated $428.9 million in output, $265.5 million in GDP and more than 2,400 jobs.

Here's the kicker: those two states together account for only 19% to 22% of the total U.S. contribution. Roughly 78% to 81% of the economic activity lands in the other 48 states. The freight moves; the value diffuses.

Mexican and California avocados have historically played complementary roles, with different production windows keeping shelves stocked year-round. Mexican volume provides the consistent base; California growers supply their primary season.

Alvaro Luque, president and CEO of Avocados From Mexico, noted that updated U.S. dietary guidelines emphasizing whole foods and healthy fats play to the category's strengths. "Mexico's proximity, scale and year-round availability make it the only origin that can meet America's growing appetite for fresh, high-quality avocados year-round," he said.

The study uses the IMPLAN input-output modeling system to estimate direct, indirect and induced contributions from output to employment to taxes. It was commissioned by MHAIA and APEAM, A.C. — the grower-exporter and importer groups that also fund Avocados From Mexico, headquartered in Irving, Texas.

The practical takeaway for shippers and forwarders: a 2.76-billion-pound refrigerated import flow isn't a niche lane. With consumption still climbing and dietary policy pushing demand further north, cross-border reefer capacity on the Mexico-U.S. corridor stays strategically essential.