USA government has announced plans to import millions of eggs from Turkey and South Korea in an effort to curb soaring prices caused by a severe avian influenza outbreak. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed that discussions are also ongoing with other countries to further bolster supply.
Egg prices have surged more than 65% over the past year, with projections indicating a potential 41% increase in 2025. The crisis stems from a devastating bird flu epidemic that has led to the culling of nearly 160 million laying hens since 2022, significantly reducing domestic egg production. The administration hopes these imports will provide short-term relief while the U.S. egg industry recovers.
Imports from Turkey and South Korea to Stabilize Supply
Turkey has already commenced shipments of approximately 15,000 tonnes (about 33 million pounds) of eggs to the USA., with deliveries expected to continue through July 2025. The Turkish egg industry, one of the largest in Europe, has assured U.S. officials that the supply will meet strict safety and quality standards.
In addition to Turkey, South Korea has also begun exporting eggs to the U.S. The decision to source eggs from these countries follows extensive negotiations to ensure compliance with American food safety regulations. USA. officials are also in talks with other potential suppliers, including Poland and Lithuania, to further expand egg imports.
Impact of Bird Flu on USA. Egg Prices
The current avian flu outbreak, known as H5N1, has been the most devastating in recent history, forcing farmers to cull tens of millions of chickens. This has not only led to reduced egg supply but has also pushed prices to unprecedented levels. Consumers have been struggling with rising costs, prompting some to seek alternative sources, including purchasing eggs from Mexico, where prices remain lower.
However, USA. Customs and Border Protection has reported a 48% increase in confiscated eggs at border entries. The transport of raw eggs from Mexico is prohibited due to food safety concerns, further limiting consumer options. The shortage has also led to concerns over food inflation, making it a key economic issue for the Trump administration.
USA. Government’s Response and Long-Term Solutions
To combat the crisis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled a $1 billion, five-point plan aimed at stabilizing the egg market. The plan includes:
Importing eggs from international markets to ease short-term shortages.
Investing $500 million in biosecurity measures to prevent future bird flu outbreaks.
Allocating $100 million for vaccine research and development.
Providing $400 million in financial relief for affected farmers.
Offering free USDA consultations to egg farms to improve disease prevention.
Secretary Rollins emphasized that the government will cover up to 75% of the costs for biosecurity improvements in commercial egg farms. She also noted that the administration’s efforts have already contributed to a decline in bird flu cases.
Political and Economic Implications
The issue of rising egg prices has become a focal point in U.S. politics. During his recent address to Congress, President Trump blamed the soaring costs on the Biden administration’s handling of the previous bird flu outbreak. He reiterated his commitment to reducing prices, calling the import strategy a necessary step to ease the burden on American consumers.
However, critics argue that the reliance on foreign egg imports exposes vulnerabilities in the U.S. agricultural sector. Some lawmakers have called for greater investment in domestic poultry farming to prevent similar crises in the future. Others have raised concerns about food safety and the potential impact of imports on local egg producers.
As the administration continues to implement its response plan, the success of these measures will be closely watched. With consumer prices still high and the bird flu threat ongoing, the government faces mounting pressure to ensure long-term stability in the egg market.
