US Scrambles for Egg Imports as Bird Flu Drives Prices Sky High
The United States is actively seeking egg imports from Denmark and other European nations as American consumers grapple with soaring egg prices, a consequence of a severe outbreak of avian influenza decimating domestic poultry flocks. The Danish Egg Association confirmed receiving inquiries from the US government regarding their capacity to supply eggs to the American market.
This unusual move by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) comes amidst a backdrop of escalating trade tensions, marked by the imposition of new US tariffs on various countries, including several in Europe, and the threat of further economic sanctions. The administration’s stance on international trade has raised eyebrows, particularly given President Trump’s past promise to lower egg prices and his controversial proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark, accompanied by veiled threats of economic repercussions should Denmark refuse.
The surge in egg prices is primarily attributed to the rapid spread of bird flu, a highly contagious viral disease affecting poultry. The outbreak has led to the culling of millions of laying hens across the country, significantly reducing the supply of eggs available to consumers. The wholesale egg market has witnessed record-breaking price increases as a direct result of this supply shortage.
President Trump, during his campaign, pledged to address the issue of high egg prices promptly upon assuming office. However, data indicates that egg prices actually climbed by a substantial 59% year-on-year in February, the first full month of his presidency, underscoring the complexity of the issue and the challenges in controlling market forces.
A letter obtained by Reuters reveals that a USDA representative in Europe initiated formal inquiries in late February, contacting egg-producing countries to assess their willingness and ability to export eggs to the United States. The letter specifically sought information on the potential volume of eggs that could be supplied, assuming they meet all relevant US import regulations.
A follow-up letter sent to the Danish Egg Association in early March further emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We’re still waiting to get more guidance from Washington on next steps, but do you have an estimate of the number of eggs that could be supplied to the United States (assuming they meet all the import requirements)?" The letter also clarified that Washington was actively attempting to gauge the feasible amount of eggs they could source from abroad.
In response to the US inquiry, the Danish Egg Association indicated that they would explore the possibilities but cautioned that there is currently no significant surplus of eggs within Europe. This suggests that the US may face challenges in securing substantial quantities of eggs from European sources.
Interestingly, Turkey reported in February that it had already begun exporting approximately 15,000 tons of eggs to the United States. This suggests that the US has been exploring alternative sources of supply beyond Europe to mitigate the impact of the domestic shortage.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced last month a comprehensive plan to address the bird flu crisis, which included seeking egg imports as a key component. This plan is part of a broader $1 billion initiative aimed at combating the spread of avian influenza and supporting the affected poultry industry.
The US embassy in Copenhagen has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter, and Reuters is also awaiting further clarification from the Department of Agriculture regarding the specifics of the egg import strategy and its potential impact on US consumers.
The US government’s pursuit of egg imports highlights the severity of the situation facing the American egg market. The confluence of the bird flu outbreak, rising egg prices, and existing trade tensions has created a complex challenge for policymakers. The success of the import strategy will depend on the availability of eggs from foreign suppliers, the ability to navigate import regulations, and the willingness of US consumers to accept eggs from international sources. The unfolding situation is being closely watched by consumers, the poultry industry, and international trade partners alike. The resolution to this egg crisis remains uncertain, but the current steps taken by the US government demonstrate the urgency and scale of the problem. It also raises questions about the long-term resilience of the US agricultural system in the face of emerging diseases and global market dynamics. The future of the American breakfast, at least in the short term, may well depend on the willingness and capacity of foreign nations to fill the egg-shaped void left by the devastating bird flu outbreak.
