U.S. struggles to find egg imports amid domestic shortages

In March 2025, the United States faced a significant shortage of eggs, primarily due to a severe bird flu outbreak that adversely affected domestic production. This situation led to soaring egg prices at grocery stores and prompted the U.S. government to look internationally for potential sources to alleviate the crisis. Countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland, and Sweden were approached by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to explore the possibility of egg exports. However, these countries were also grappling with their own poultry issues, resulting in limited surplus available for export. The search for egg imports has become complicated due to differences in health and safety regulations between the U.S. and European countries. For instance, the U.S. has stringent requirements to prevent salmonella contamination, which poses challenges for foreign producers wishing to export eggs. While Poland responded to inquiries regarding the availability of eggs, its officials were assessing whether local farmers could meet U.S. safety standards. Compounded by prior avian flu outbreaks, many European countries were already experiencing reduced egg supply, making it challenging to assist U.S. needs. The demand for eggs has been particularly high ahead of traditional celebrations such as Easter and Passover, further aggravating the situation. In preparation for these holidays, many families look to source eggs for activities such as decorating, which intensifies the urgency of the supply crisis. European producers indicated that, despite the U.S. showing interest in purchasing extra eggs, the prevailing domestic demand meant that there were insufficient surplus eggs to send abroad. Some member countries within the European Union have distinct customs, such as the practice of washing eggs, which diverges from U.S. protocols. Import attempts may lead to a shift in the types of egg products supplied to the U.S. market. Instead of whole eggs, it is more likely that the U.S. will receive powdered or processed egg products from Europe. Such alternatives could include liquid, frozen, or dried forms that are deemed easier to transport. This shortage of supply resulted in the U.S. producing about 720 million fewer table eggs compared to February 2024, amounting to nearly a 10% decline. Consequently, the U.S. is navigating a complex international landscape to address its domestic shortfall as egg-laying hens continue to be affected by ongoing outbreaks of bird flu.