US Egg Prices Soar 59%; USDA Seeks European Imports Amid Bird Flu Crisis

March 17, 2025
2 mins read
White eggs in a carton. Photo Source: Marina Shemesh (CC BY-NC 2.0)
White eggs in a carton. Photo Source: Marina Shemesh (CC BY-NC 2.0)

The US is facing a severe egg shortage, driving prices up 59% year-on-year in February. This spike comes despite President Trump’s campaign promise to lower egg prices on his first day in office.

USDA Seeks European Eggs

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has formally reached out to Denmark and other European countries requesting egg imports. Letters reviewed by Reuters show a USDA representative in Europe contacted the Danish Egg Association in February about their ability to export eggs to the American market.

“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?” a USDA follow-up letter stated in early March.

Bird Flu Decimates US Supply

The primary cause of the shortage is an accelerating avian flu outbreak that has killed over 20 million egg-laying hens in American farms in 2024. This has severely disrupted US egg supply chains, which typically produce 7.5 billion dozen eggs annually, according to the American Egg Board.

Danish Response

The Danish Egg Association told reporters they’re open to sending eggs to the US over the next six months. However, they noted significant challenges:

“There is a shortage of eggs everywhere on a global scale because consumption is increasing and many are affected by bird flu,” the association stated.

The association also highlighted:

  • No substantial egg surplus exists in Europe
  • Easter demand is further tightening supplies
  • The group will prioritize long-term customers over new US requests
  • Different hygiene standards complicate exports (European eggs aren’t washed of their natural protective coating)

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Diplomatic Complications

The USDA’s outreach comes amid tense US-Denmark relations. President Trump has:

  • Repeatedly claimed he would annex Greenland, Denmark’s self-governing territory
  • Threatened economic sanctions against Denmark
  • Made statements about seizing the island for its natural resources
  • Called for a 200% tax on European alcohol imports

USDA’s Broader Strategy

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a $1 billion plan to combat the egg crisis. Beyond seeking Danish imports, the US has already arranged for Turkey to export approximately 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the US this year.

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Supply Chain Challenges

Thomas Kull, professor of supply chain management at Arizona State University, notes potential obstacles:

  • Infrastructure limitations for transporting large egg shipments
  • The delicate nature of eggs makes transportation complex
  • European suppliers may not have sufficient surplus

Kull suggests the administration’s European outreach may partly be to demonstrate action: “The ultimate goal is to show that something is being done, or someone’s trying to do something. You don’t know exactly what’s going to work.”

FAQ

What’s causing the US egg shortage? The primary cause is avian flu, which has killed over 20 million egg-laying hens in US farms in 2024. Rising production costs and supply chain disruptions have worsened the situation.
How much have egg prices increased? Egg prices increased 59% year-on-year in February 2025. According to the Consumer Price Index, this represents a significant increase from August 2023 lows.
Why is the US asking Denmark for eggs? The USDA is seeking multiple international sources to supplement domestic supplies. They’ve contacted Denmark and other European countries to gauge their export capacity as part of a broader $1 billion plan to address the shortage.
Can Denmark provide enough eggs to help? The Danish Egg Association indicated they can only provide modest amounts at best. They noted global egg shortages, increased Easter demand, and commitments to existing customers as limiting factors.
What complications exist for importing European eggs? European eggs are processed differently than US eggs. They aren’t washed of their natural protective coating, creating hygiene standard differences. Infrastructure limitations for transporting large, delicate egg shipments also present challenges.
How does this relate to Trump’s Greenland policy? The request comes amid strained US-Denmark relations. President Trump has repeatedly claimed he would annex Greenland (Denmark’s autonomous territory), threatened economic sanctions against Denmark, and proposed tariffs on European imports. This diplomatic tension complicates trade negotiations.

Sunita Somvanshi

With over two decades of dedicated service in the state environmental ministry, this seasoned professional has cultivated a discerning perspective on the intricate interplay between environmental considerations and diverse industries. Sunita is armed with a keen eye for pivotal details, her extensive experience uniquely positions her to offer insightful commentary on topics ranging from business sustainability and global trade's environmental impact to fostering partnerships, optimizing freight and transport for ecological efficiency, and delving into the realms of thermal management, logistics, carbon credits, and energy transition. Through her writing, she not only imparts valuable knowledge but also provides a nuanced understanding of how businesses can harmonize with environmental imperatives, making her a crucial voice in the discourse on sustainable practices and the future of industry.

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