USA egg price hike : America's un 'egg' spected crisis

UPDATED: Mar 6, 2025 22:41 IST

The United States is facing an unexpected crisiseggs have become a luxury item. With prices skyrocketing due to bird flu outbreaks, supply chain failures, and rising feed costs, desperate Americans are smuggling eggs from Mexico in a bizarre black-market trade. Once a symbol of affordability and nutrition, eggs are now at the centre of an economic and political storm.

Why Are Egg Prices Soaring?
The root cause of this crisis is a devastating outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The virus has led to the culling of over 30 million egg-laying hens, slashing production and sending prices through the roof. Supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, and the lingering economic fallout from COVID-19 have only made matters worse.

Inflation has played its part too. The cost of poultry feed has surged due to global grain market instability, and rising fuel prices have pushed transportation costs higher. The USDA has projected a 41.1% increase in egg prices in 2025, with some estimates warning of a 74.9% surge before stabilisation.

Smuggling Eggs from Mexico
As eggs become unaffordable in the US, some consumers are taking drastic measures. In Mexico, egg prices remain significantly lower, prompting an influx of illegal imports. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a 29% rise in egg seizures since late 2024, as Americans attempt to sneak eggs across the border like contraband.

However, smuggling eggs isn’t just illegalit’s dangerous. Raw eggs can carry diseases like avian flu, posing a serious risk to both public health and the domestic poultry industry. Those caught face hefty fines and legal consequences, yet many are still willing to take the gamble.

Government Response and Potential Solutions
In response to the crisis, the Trump administration has introduced measures to boost domestic egg production. These include financial incentives for farmers, investments in disease prevention, and policies aimed at reducing poultry feed costs.

The US has also struck a deal with Turkey to import eggs, with shipments expected to continue throughout 2025. While this may provide temporary relief, experts argue that the only long-term solution is to rebuild domestic production capacity and stabilise supply chains.

What’s Next?
America’s egg crisis is a stark reminder of how fragile the food supply chain can be. Whether government measures will be enough remains to be seen. Until then, the black-market egg trade continues to flourish, proving that in today’s economy, even the simplest of foods can become a luxury.