Surge in Egg Smuggling Across the US: Here’s What You Need to Know | US News

Egg prices in the United States have hit unprecedented levels recently.

The average cost of a dozen large white eggs skyrocketed to $8.64 (£6.17) at the start of March, which is over four times the long-term average price of $2 (£1.54).

Following this price surge, there has been an increase in egg smuggling activities, other nations have been urged to enhance their exports, and the US Justice Department has initiated an investigation.

Here’s everything you need to know about America’s egg scramble and the reasons behind it.

Avian flu

A primary factor contributing to the price increase is the ongoing battle against avian flu, commonly referred to as bird flu, which has been affecting the US since 2022.

This year alone, one individual has died and farmers have been compelled to cull over 30 million egg-laying birds, a decision influenced by federal policy mandating the eradication of entire flocks whenever a single bird is found ill.

A staggering total of more than 166 million birds have been culled since the outbreak began three years ago.

Avian flu is an infectious disease that spreads among bird populations, with various strains, of which H5N1 has predominantly impacted the United States.

Recently, the H7N9 strain was identified at a chicken farm in Mississippi on March 13, as reported by the World Animal Health Organization based in Paris.

The World Health Organization noted that out of 616 cases of H7N9 globally, over a third of the 1,568 total infected have resulted in death since its discovery in 2013.

Common symptoms of bird flu include high fever, muscle aches, headache, and cough.

As of March 7, the Department of Agriculture indicated that there had been no significant bird flu outbreak in the US for two weeks.

Increased demand, increased price

Amidst the rising threat of bird flu, the demand for eggs surged, which in turn propelled prices upwards.

At the start of the year, the cost of eggs reached a prior record of $4.95 (£3.86) per dozen, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

By March, prices escalated even more, with Sky News’ US affiliate NBC reporting a peak at $8.64. According to the Reuters news agency, several cities were charging as much as $10 (£7.71) for a dozen eggs.

In response to the soaring costs, some restaurants, such as Denny’s and Waffle House, implemented surcharges for eggs on their menus.

Overall grocery costs have risen, as reported by NBC, following a previous significant decrease experienced after the COVID pandemic and post-lockdown period.

After experiencing a significant surge for most of the year, egg prices began to decline in the US towards the end of last week, with NBC noting a drop to $4.90 (£3) on March 13.

President Donald Trump commended Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for effectively reducing prices, claiming during a Justice Department speech that prices had decreased “35% in the last week and a half.”

The drop in prices has been attributed to consumers buying fewer eggs, yet prices remain substantially higher than the average and pre-COVID levels.

Rise in egg smuggling

As the cost of eggs soared in the US, prices remained comparatively low in neighboring Mexico, prompting a surge in smuggling efforts across the border.

Reports indicate that so-called egg interceptions have risen by 36% nationwide, as per the Wall Street Journal, citing US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

San Diego experienced the most significant increase at 158% compared to last year.

“The price difference is significant. Prices in Mexico are about a third of what they are in the US,” stated Roger Maier, a CBP spokesperson, mentioning that agents in El Paso have encountered 90 attempted egg importers since January.

The CBP has cautioned travelers to declare all agricultural products to officers when entering the country, warning that failing to do so could result in fines of up to $10,000 (£7,700).

In February, police were perplexed by the theft of 100,000 eggs from a truck in Pennsylvania.

The stolen eggs, valued at approximately $40,000 (£30,000), were taken from a Pete & Gerry’s Organics LLC distribution truck in Antrim Township, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.

The police suggested the theft could be linked to the rising prices, labeling the crime as “definitely unique.”

Biden to blame, says Trump

During a speech to Congress at the start of March, Mr. Trump attributed the spike in egg prices to his predecessor, Joe Biden.

“Joe Biden has particularly allowed egg prices to spiral out of control. We’re working diligently to get them back down,” Mr. Trump asserted.

Elon Musk also used his social media platform, X, to lay blame on Mr. Biden, stating, “The Biden administration ordered an insane cull of 150 million egg-laying hens.”

However, in reality, millions of egg-laying hens have been culled since Mr. Trump’s tenure began.

Ms. Rollins later announced a $1 billion (£771 million) initiative to combat bird flu, which encompasses investments aimed at enhancing biosecurity measures for farmers and research into vaccines for affected birds.

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Reports indicate that the Justice Department has also initiated an investigation into potential collusion among egg producers to inflate prices.

This ongoing investigation is reportedly in its initial phase, examining whether producers have deliberately withheld supplies to drive up costs, a claim that producers have refuted.

The department has yet to provide an official statement regarding the investigation.

A plea for imports

To address the heightened demand, the US Department of Agriculture has reached out to Denmark and other European countries to explore possible egg exports.

In a letter sent to the Danish egg association in late February, officials inquired: “Do you have an estimate of the number of eggs that could be supplied to the United States?”

A representative from the Danish association mentioned they had asked for more information regarding the conditions of such an agreement, citing challenges related to hygiene regulations and other factors for egg exports to the US.

Denmark’s request for exports followed Turkey’s announcement in February that it started sending approximately 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the US.

Brazil has also ramped up its egg exports by 57.5% last month, shipping 2,527 tonnes in February compared to 1,604 tonnes during the same time last year.

Could Easter cause another rise?

Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, has warned that increased egg demand during Easter could lead to another temporary surge in prices.

If prices remain elevated, it will mark the third consecutive year that US consumers encounter inflated prices in the lead-up to Easter, this year observed on April 20, and Passover starting on the evening of April 12.

Ms. Rollins also noted last week that prices might “inch back up” since the Easter period typically sees the “highest price for eggs.”

Additionally, Ms. Metz mentioned that egg farmers will closely monitor the spring migration of wild birds, as they are a significant factor in the transmission of avian flu and “pose an ongoing threat to egg-laying flocks.”