In response to soaring egg prices fueled by a severe avian flu outbreak, the United States has initiated imports of eggs from Turkey and South Korea. This strategic move aims to mitigate the supply shortage and stabilize the domestic market.
The avian flu epidemic has led to the culling of millions of birds across the country, drastically reducing egg production. Consequently, consumers have faced unprecedented price hikes, with the average cost of a dozen eggs reaching nearly $5 in January, and prices in certain regions climbing as high as $8 to $10.
To address this crisis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has sought assistance from international partners. Turkey has responded by exporting approximately 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the U.S., while South Korea has also commenced shipments to help bridge the supply gap.
Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, confirmed that imports from these nations are underway and that discussions with other countries are ongoing to further bolster egg supplies. "We are talking in the hundreds of millions of eggs for the short term," Rollins stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
This import strategy is part of a broader effort to stabilize the market and provide relief to consumers grappling with inflated prices. The USDA continues to monitor the situation closely and is exploring additional measures to support domestic egg production and prevent future shortages.