The rising cost of eggs in the United States has prompted President Donald Trump to address the issue, attributing it to prior administration policies. Egg prices have surged significantly over the past year, prompting the U.S. to seek imports from South Korea, Türkiye, and Brazil. Meanwhile, Australia faces similar challenges due to bird flu outbreaks, leading to elevated prices and purchasing limits in supermarkets.
In recent discussions surrounding the rising cost of eggs in the United States, President Donald Trump highlighted the issue, attributing blame to the previous administration for allowing prices to escalate. Egg prices have surged by 65 percent over the past year, with projections suggesting an additional 41 percent increase by 2025. To mitigate this crisis, the U.S. is looking to import hundreds of millions of eggs from countries such as South Korea, Türkiye, and Brazil, where the prices remain more stable.
The primary driver behind the skyrocketing prices is a significant bird flu outbreak that has led to the culling of millions of chickens across the nation due to health concerns. Reports estimate that since 2022, approximately 170 million poultry have been exterminated, resulting in market shortages and unprecedented price levels. For instance, the average cost for a dozen large grade A eggs was recorded at $5.90 in February, with expectations that it could increase to $8.32 by year’s end.
Additionally, allegations have emerged regarding market manipulation by larger suppliers, which some small farmer groups claim contributes to inflated prices. In contrast, the American Egg Board has dismissed these concerns. The shortage has become so acute that U.S. Customs officials are seizing more eggs from smuggling attempts than fentanyl, as some individuals attempt to bring cheaper eggs across the border from Mexico.
In response to the crisis, the U.S. government announced a $1.87 billion strategy that includes importing eggs to meet domestic needs. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins indicated that the imports would help alleviate shortages until domestic farmers can rejuvenate their flocks. Meanwhile, countries like Brazil have adjusted regulations to facilitate the export of eggs to the United States, dramatically increasing their shipments.
While the U.S. addresses its egg supply issues, Australia faces similar challenges. An outbreak of bird flu has also impacted the Australian egg supply, leading to increased prices and limited availability. Despite hints of a recovery, supermarkets have placed purchasing limits on eggs in several regions. The Australian government has yet to consider importing eggs to alleviate the situation, maintaining strict biosecurity standards and emphasizing local production.
The plight of rising egg prices in the United States illustrates the complexities surrounding agricultural supply chains and disease outbreaks. Both the U.S. and Australia are grappling with similar challenges due to avian influenza, although strategies to address these challenges differ. International imports may provide short-term relief, but long-term solutions hinge on domestic production recovery and regulatory adjustments. This ongoing crisis underscores the fragility of food supply systems amidst global disruptions.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
