The United States has begun importing eggs from Turkey and South Korea in an effort to counter an avian flu-fueled supply shortage that has driven prices to record highs. The confirmation came on Friday from Mr. Brooke Rollins, Agriculture Secretary to U.S. President Donald Trump, as the administration seeks to stabilize the market and ease consumer burdens.
Speaking at a press briefing, Rollins acknowledged the severity of the egg supply crisis, which has been exacerbated by multiple outbreaks of bird flu across the country. These outbreaks have forced U.S. farmers to cull at least 30 million birds, leading to a sharp decline in domestic egg production and a surge in prices.
“We are talking in the hundreds of millions of eggs for the short term,” Rollins stated, confirming that imports from Turkey and South Korea were already underway.
She also revealed that the White House was in discussions with other countries to temporarily source eggs, emphasizing that this was a short-term solution while domestic production recovers.
Egg Prices Soar Amid Supply Constraints
Over the past few months, the cost of eggs in the U.S. has skyrocketed, becoming a major economic and political issue. The price surge was a key talking point during Trump’s presidential campaign, as he sought to capitalize on public frustration with inflation and the rising cost of essential goods under the previous administration.
Upon returning to the White House in January, President Trump tasked Rollins with stabilizing the egg supply and reducing prices. The administration has since taken a proactive approach, engaging in talks with international partners to secure sufficient egg imports to ease the crisis.
According to market analysts, the average price of eggs doubled in the last quarter of 2024, affecting both individual consumers and businesses, including bakeries and restaurants that rely heavily on eggs for production. Some retailers have even imposed limits on the number of egg cartons customers can purchase due to persistent shortages.
“The focus is on ensuring that American households have access to affordable eggs, while also supporting our domestic poultry farmers in their recovery,” Rollins said.
International Interest in Supplying the U.S. Market
In recent weeks, egg producers in multiple countries have reported interest from American buyers, signaling a global effort to address the shortfall.
The Polish and Lithuanian Poultry Associations confirmed that U.S. diplomatic officials had approached them about potential egg exports, adding to the list of countries under consideration.
Speaking on the situation, Katarzyna Gawrońska, Director of Poland’s National Chamber of Poultry and Feed Producers, emphasized the widespread nature of the egg shortage:
“There is a shortage of eggs in many countries, not just the United States. However, the U.S. market is particularly affected due to the scale of bird flu outbreaks.”
While Turkey and South Korea have been the first to ship eggs to the U.S., American officials are exploring additional supply agreements to ensure steady imports until local production stabilizes. Experts suggest that potential future suppliers may include European countries with surplus egg production, such as the Netherlands and Spain.
USDA Reports Positive Price Trends
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported a nearly 50% drop in wholesale egg prices since late February, suggesting that consumer prices could soon begin to decline.
In a statement, the USDA highlighted the effectiveness of the import strategy, attributing the downward trend in prices to increased supply and market adjustments.
“The downward trend underscores the effectiveness of USDA’s approach,” the agency said.
Despite this improvement, industry experts warn that it may take several months for domestic poultry farms to fully recover from the losses caused by the avian flu outbreaks. Until then, imported eggs will continue to play a crucial role in stabilizing the market.
Economic and Political Ramifications
The egg crisis has not only affected consumers but also sparked political debate. Critics argue that the government should have taken preventive measures earlier, such as bolstering domestic poultry farming capacity or implementing better biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of avian flu.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Trump administration’s response highlight the swift action taken to secure alternative supply chains and bring prices under control.
Agricultural economist Dr. Richard Collins noted that the crisis underscores the importance of diversifying food supply chains:
“This situation has shown how vulnerable the U.S. is to disruptions in food production. While imports are a short-term fix, we must invest in long-term solutions such as improved disease control measures and greater support for local farmers.”
Retailers and restaurant owners have also weighed in on the crisis, with many expressing relief at the possibility of lower prices in the coming months. John Mercer, owner of a bakery chain in New York, shared his perspective:
“Eggs are one of our most essential ingredients. When prices doubled, we had no choice but to increase the cost of our products. If this strategy helps stabilize prices, it will be a huge relief for small businesses like ours.”
Future Outlook: When Will U.S. Farmers Recover?
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Rollins reassured the public that the importation of eggs is a temporary measure, intended to provide relief while U.S. poultry farmers work to increase production.
“Once our farmers ramp up supply, the imports will cease,” she said.
Poultry farmers across the U.S. are accelerating efforts to rebuild their flocks, but industry analysts suggest that full recovery may take months, depending on the severity of future avian flu outbreaks and the speed of repopulation efforts.
In the meantime, the government is exploring additional measures to support poultry farmers, including financial incentives for farm recovery, enhanced biosecurity protocols, and increased monitoring of bird flu outbreaks.
As the situation unfolds, consumers may begin to see relief at the checkout, but experts caution that price stabilization will largely depend on how quickly domestic egg production can meet demand. Until then, the government remains committed to working with international suppliers to ensure that Americans have access to an essential household staple.
