After months of strained diplomatic relations, President Donald Trump is now seeking assistance for U.S. egg shortage from Denmark—the very country he previously threatened over Greenland. The U.S. is facing a severe egg shortage, leading to skyrocketing prices, and in an ironic twist, Trump’s administration has reached out to Denmark for egg imports despite previously suggesting that the U.S. should annex Greenland from the Scandinavian nation.
The United States is currently grappling with a severe egg shortage, leading to soaring prices and growing public frustration. The crisis, primarily driven by a widespread outbreak of avian influenza, has resulted in the culling of millions of egg-laying hens across the country. As a consequence, egg prices have surged to an average of $5.90 per dozen as of March 2025, marking one of the steepest increases in recent history.
To combat this crisis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reached out to European nations, including Denmark, requesting assistance in the form of egg exports. However, the response from European suppliers has been cautious, citing challenges such as global shortages and regulatory hurdles in exporting eggs to the U.S.
U.S. Egg Shortage Relief Requires as Trump’s Tariffs and Trade Wars Backfire
Despite the administration’s desperate plea for European eggs, President Donald Trump’s trade policies have contributed to strained relationships with key allies. Over the past months, Trump has imposed tariffs on European goods, further souring diplomatic ties with countries that the U.S. now seeks assistance from.
In addition to tariffs, Trump’s controversial comments and actions towards Denmark—including suggesting the U.S. should annex Greenland—have created tensions between the two nations. Now, in a striking reversal, the U.S. is seeking Denmark’s help in alleviating the egg crisis. Danish officials have acknowledged the request but have pointed out the global crisis causing the egg shortage, making immediate exports difficult.
European Suppliers Hesitate Amid Global Shortage
The Danish Egg Association confirmed receiving a request from the USDA, seeking an estimate of how many eggs could be exported to the U.S. However, European producers have highlighted several challenges that could hinder exports.
A spokesperson for the Danish Egg Association stated, “There is a crisis of egg shortage on a global scale due to increasing consumption and avian flu outbreaks. Additionally, hygiene and regulatory requirements make it difficult to export eggs to the U.S. without significant logistical adjustments.”
While European nations are evaluating the request, the immediate outlook remains bleak. Without a quick resolution, American consumers are likely to continue experiencing high egg prices and shortages in supermarkets.
Americans Struggle With Egg Shortage as Smuggling Rises
As egg prices soar, some Americans have resorted to alternative means to obtain eggs, including cross-border smuggling. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a 36% increase in attempts to smuggle eggs across the U.S.-Mexico border in the past three months.
Eggs, which are significantly cheaper in Mexico due to a more stable domestic supply, have become a sought-after commodity. However, CBP officials have warned that smuggling eggs violates federal import regulations and poses potential health risks due to differing safety standards.
U.S. Egg Shortage Blamed on Trump’s Policies?
While the avian influenza outbreak is a key driver of the egg shortage, critics argue that Trump’s recent policy decisions have worsened the crisis.
Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum: Trump’s decision to reinstate a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum in February 2025 increased costs for agricultural infrastructure, indirectly impacting poultry farms.
Trade Disputes with Allies: The administration’s combative stance toward European allies has made international cooperation more difficult, delaying potential solutions to the egg crisis.
Lack of Immediate Solutions: The government’s $1 billion plan to address the avian flu outbreak focuses on long-term strategies like vaccine research but lacks immediate measures to stabilize prices, such as subsidies or price controls.
A Crisis of Policy and Supply
The U.S. egg shortage highlights a broader issue of policy missteps and global agricultural instability. While the immediate crisis stems from the avian flu outbreak, the Trump administration’s trade policies and diplomatic blunders have compounded the problem, making relief harder to secure. As Americans continue to face rising prices, the government’s next steps in securing international aid and stabilizing domestic production will be critical in resolving the crisis.
