Government Explores Imports as Prices Soar Amid Avian Flu Outbreak

The United States is currently facing a significant egg shortage and price surge due to an ongoing avian flu outbreak. In response, the U.S. government is considering increasing egg imports to alleviate the situation.

Current Situation

Egg prices in the U.S. have skyrocketed, with a 53% year-over-year increase reported in January 2025. The average price for a dozen eggs hit a record $4.95 in January, with some places seeing prices double that amount. This price surge is primarily due to the avian flu outbreak that began in 2022, which has led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens.

Government Response

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a five-pronged strategy backed by $1 billion to combat the avian influenza outbreak and reduce egg prices. As part of this plan, the USDA is considering increasing egg imports from other countries. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated, “We will consider temporary import options to reduce egg costs in the short term”.

Potential Imports from Turkey

Turkey has emerged as a significant potential source for egg imports:

1. Turkey plans to export 420 million eggs to the U.S. in 2025.
2. The country has already begun exporting around 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the United States.
3. This export operation is expected to generate approximately $26 million in revenue for Turkey.

Challenges and Considerations

While importing eggs may help alleviate the shortage, there are several challenges to consider:

1. Logistics and transportation: Shipping eggs across long distances requires careful handling and temperature control.
2. U.S. packaging requirements: Turkish producers must meet specific packaging standards set by the U.S..
3. Market dynamics: Ensuring that increased exports don’t negatively affect Turkey’s domestic egg market.

Long-term Solutions

In addition to considering egg imports, the USDA’s strategy includes:

1. $500 million for biosecurity measures
2. $400 million in relief for impacted farmers
3. $100 million for vaccine research
4. Easing regulations to reduce costs for vaccination research

The USDA is also exploring options for temporarily decreasing egg exports to supplement the domestic supply.

While these measures may provide some relief, experts caution that imported eggs may not significantly alleviate the shortage if the avian flu outbreak continues at its current rate.

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Sources:

1. https://www.supplychainbrain.com/articles/41260-us-looks-abroad-to-combat-egg-shortages
2. https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/24/business/egg-prices-turkey-vaccine/index.html
3. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/explainer-us-egg-crisis-deepens-as-bird-flu-supply-chain-woes-drive-prices-up/3489097
4. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/26/us/politics/agriculture-department-looks-to-import-eggs-as-prices-soar.html
5. https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/video/u-s-turns-to-turkey-for-egg-imports/