US Considers Egg Imports to Address Elevated Prices
The Trump administration is exploring importing eggs from Turkey and South Korea and is engaged in discussions with other nations to alleviate record-high egg prices for American consumers, officials have confirmed.
Potential for Large-Scale Imports
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins informed reporters at the White House that the administration is considering “hundreds of millions of eggs for the short term.” This initiative follows the announcement of a $1 billion plan to counter the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, which has necessitated the culling of millions of poultry on US farms.
Impact of Avian Flu on Egg Costs
Despite President Trump’s campaign pledges to lower consumer prices, egg costs have increased by over 65% in the past year. Projections indicate a further rise of 41% in 2025. The price surge is largely attributed to the severe avian flu outbreak affecting poultry populations nationwide.
Seeking International Supply Solutions
Rollins indicated that the Department of Agriculture is in communication with additional countries to secure egg supplies, though she did not specify which nations. The aim is to bridge the supply gap while the domestic poultry industry recovers from the epidemic.
Long-Term Strategy for Domestic Production
“Once our chicken populations are restored and the egg laying industry is fully operational again, ideally within a couple of months, we will transition back to relying on our domestic egg producers to stock shelves,” Rollins stated, outlining the administration’s strategy to reinstate domestic egg production.
International Interest in Exporting to the US
Poultry associations in Poland and Lithuania reported receiving inquiries from US embassies regarding potential egg exports, according to AFP. Katarzyna Gawronska, director of the National Chamber of Poultry and Feed Producers in Poland, confirmed that the American embassy in Warsaw contacted her organization in February to assess Poland’s interest in exporting eggs to the US market.
Government Initiatives to Combat Egg Price Inflation
In February, the US Department of Agriculture unveiled a $1 billion, five-pronged strategy to tackle rising egg prices. This plan includes:
- $500 million allocated for enhanced biosecurity measures.
- Approximately $100 million dedicated to vaccine research and development.
- $400 million for financial relief programs for affected farmers.
The Trump administration’s plan includes providing commercial egg farms with complimentary best practices guidance and consulting services. It also offers to cover up to 75% of the expenses associated with strengthening biosecurity to prevent further spread of avian flu.
Decline in Bird Flu Cases Following Intervention
“Our strategy involved a substantial financial investment in nationwide audits, enabling the USDA to assist egg-laying companies in fortifying their facilities,” Rollins explained. She added, “…and since implementing these measures, we have observed a notable decrease in avian flu cases.”
Avian Flu Impact on Poultry Industry
While avian flu, specifically the H5N1 strain, has been present in US poultry for several years, a significant outbreak commencing in 2022 has severely impacted farms. This outbreak has resulted in the death of over 156 million birds, contributing to the dramatic surge in egg prices.
Political Dimensions of Egg Prices
Egg prices became a prominent issue during Trump’s recent presidential campaign, as he sought to capitalize on voter concerns regarding the increasing costs of essential goods. He directly addressed the issue of rising egg prices in his address to the US Congress earlier this month, attributing the problem to the policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
President Trump’s Stance on Egg Prices
“Joe Biden particularly allowed egg prices to spiral out of control – and we are diligently working to bring them back down,” President Trump stated, underscoring his administration’s efforts to address the issue. While the Biden administration oversaw the culling of millions of egg-laying hens in response to the bird flu outbreak last year, egg prices have continued to climb during the initial period of Trump’s second term in office.