Facing a severe egg shortage due to a bird flu outbreak, the U.S. is seeking egg exports from Europe. However, European nations, also impacted by avian flu and high domestic demand, have limited surplus eggs. A major obstacle is the differing sanitation standards; the U.S. requires washed, refrigerated eggs, unlike the EU’s unwashed approach. While some processed egg products might be exported, supplying fresh shell eggs faces significant challenges due to these contrasting regulations.
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Despite a stated focus on combating fentanyl, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports a significant increase in egg seizures, rising 116 percent between January and February 2025 compared to the previous year. This surge coincides with record-high U.S. egg prices due to avian flu impacting supply. While fentanyl seizures decreased by 32 percent during the same period, the majority of egg seizures involved travelers voluntarily declaring the product. Increased egg interceptions are particularly notable at the northern border with Canada and along the southwest border with Mexico.
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The United States, facing a severe egg shortage due to avian flu, has sought egg exports from several European countries, including Finland. While Finland’s Poultry Association has been contacted, exporting is currently impossible due to a lack of market access negotiations and the extensive regulatory processes involved. Even if feasible, Finnish exports would be insignificant compared to the scale of the US shortage, given the vastly different numbers of laying hens. Other European nations have also faced similar challenges due to the global spread of avian flu.
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Amid record-high US egg prices driven by avian flu, the USDA has formally requested egg exports from Denmark and other European nations. This request, part of a broader $1 billion plan to combat the flu’s impact, follows inquiries sent in late February seeking information on export capabilities. However, the Danish Egg Association reported a global egg shortage, hindering the feasibility of large-scale exports. Despite these challenges, Turkey has already begun exporting eggs to the US.
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Following President Trump’s dismissal of concerns over rising egg prices, data revealed a 60% increase since February of the previous year. This surge, driven by avian flu and broader inflation, contradicts Trump’s campaign promise to quickly lower prices. While the administration blames the previous administration, experts attribute the high egg costs to the ongoing avian flu outbreak. Meanwhile, economic uncertainty persists, fueled by fluctuating tariffs and the possibility of a looming recession.
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To combat soaring egg prices, which have increased 237 percent since January 2021, the Trump administration is exploring temporary egg imports to supplement domestic supplies. This measure, detailed in an op-ed by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, aims to mitigate the impact of avian flu, which has decimated the U.S. egg-laying hen population. Imports will be subject to rigorous safety standards to protect both consumers and American farmers. Canada, the largest foreign egg supplier to the U.S., has indicated a willingness to assist should a request be made, despite current trade tensions between the two countries.
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Soaring egg prices in the U.S., driven by the culling of over 166 million birds due to avian flu, have led to a nearly 40% increase in egg seizures at the U.S. border. This surge is attributed to both individuals and potentially businesses attempting to circumvent U.S. purchase limits and high prices (currently averaging $4.95 USD per dozen, exceeding $12 in some areas). The illegal importation of eggs poses a biosecurity risk due to the potential spread of avian flu. Consequently, border agents are intensifying efforts to intercept smuggled eggs, with penalties of up to $300 for undeclared goods.
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Soaring egg prices have created a potential challenge for the U.S., with the possibility of needing to import eggs from countries like Canada. This unprecedented situation arises from a confluence of factors impacting the domestic poultry industry, including avian flu outbreaks and inflation. Such a move would require cooperation with nations like Canada, despite existing political tensions between the U.S. and some of these countries. The need to import eggs underscores the severity of the current egg price crisis.
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Avian flu, or H5N1, has devastated US poultry farms, killing over 156 million birds and causing egg prices to surge. Farmers are implementing stringent biosecurity measures, but the crisis continues, forcing difficult decisions like accepting chicks from potentially infected areas to avoid leaving farming. The outbreak’s worsening coincides with proposed government funding cuts to research and response efforts, raising concerns about pandemic preparedness. The Trump administration is developing a new strategy focused on prevention and vaccination, while moving away from culling infected flocks, although the effectiveness of this approach is debated.
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John Q. Hosedrinker