Mexico City, Mexico - The US said Thursday it has resumed importing Mexican avocados following a brief suspension due to a security alert in the crime-plagued state of Michoacan.

US authorities inspect avocado plantations and packing plants in the fertile western state as a standard protocol before they can be imported.

Operations were suspended a week ago after a reported threat to US interests in the state, which produces around two million tons of avocados annually.

The Mexican government responded by immediately deploying around 1,500 soldiers to avocado-producing highlands and arresting 12 people on charges of extortion this week.

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"I recognize the Government of Mexico, particularly its Security Cabinet, for the actions and close coordination that made this full resumption possible," US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson wrote on X.

"We will continue to monitor security conditions and adjust our operations as appropriate," he added. "Our priority remains the safety of U.S. personnel and the people of Michoacan."

The incident comes against a backdrop of persistent US-Mexican tensions.

President Donald Trump has said drug cartels govern Mexico and threatened to send US troops across the border.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says no military intervention would be permitted.

Crime gangs in Michoacan have been involved in the extortion of avocado producers for years.

Mexican avocado exports to the US had already been temporarily suspended in 2024 after two inspectors were assaulted in Michoacan.