The United States is grappling with a severe egg shortage, leading businesses to seek alternatives from across the globe. In an unprecedented move, Turkey has emerged as a vital supplier, set to deliver 420 million eggs to the U.S. this year. This response comes in the wake of an avian flu outbreak that has decimated the American poultry industry, reducing the population of egg-laying birds by over 140 million since 2022.
The avian influenza has been catastrophic, with 17 million birds lost in just the last two months of last year. Consequently, the shortage of eggs has driven prices to an all-time high, with a carton of a dozen large Grade A eggs averaging $4.95. Retailers like Costco and Trader Joe’s have resorted to rationing egg sales, and restaurants such as Waffle House have imposed surcharges on egg-based dishes.
Turkey’s Egg Producers Central Union has confirmed plans to substantially increase egg exports to the U.S., capitalizing on the reduced domestic production. This marks the first instance where the U.S. is importing eggs exclusively from Turkey, highlighting Istanbul’s status as a major global egg exporter. However, experts caution that these imports will not significantly resolve the shortage if the avian flu persists.
Despite these efforts, the U.S. still faces a bleak outlook, with egg prices predicted to rise by another 20% according to the Department of Agriculture. This comes on top of a 15.2% increase observed in January, reflecting a year-over-year spike of 53% in egg costs. Bernt Nelson, an economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation, emphasizes that while imports might offset some loss, they are insufficient to impact the overall deficit.
Chad Gregory, the president and CEO of United Egg Producers, has expressed support for importing eggs as a temporary measure to alleviate supply issues. In the past year, the U.S. imported 71 million eggs from Turkey. This year, imports are anticipated to be nearly six times higher. By mid-year, Turkey is expected to have delivered 240 million eggs, with the remaining shipments scheduled by December.
Turkey ranks as the fifth-largest egg exporter globally, and its trade with the U.S. is expected to reach $37 million this year. The nation exported $411 million worth of eggs worldwide in 2023, underscoring its capacity to support America’s needs during this crisis.
In addition to increased imports, a vaccination strategy against the avian flu is being considered. Doug Corwin, a farmer affected by the virus, insists on the importance of vaccinating birds to prevent future outbreaks. The USDA has already issued a conditional license for a vaccine, albeit amidst concerns about potential trade complications. Poultry producers fear that vaccinated birds might lead to trading partners perceiving the virus as endemic, complicating export opportunities.
The situation has prompted the White House to devise a comprehensive plan to combat avian flu, focusing on biosecurity and medication strategies. However, experts argue that more resources are needed to bolster research and surveillance. The recent budget cuts and layoffs in vital agencies like the CDC and USDA have only complicated efforts to manage the crisis effectively.
As the United States navigates the complexities of its egg crisis, reliance on international imports offers a temporary solution. However, the persistent threat of avian flu necessitates long-term strategies, including vaccination and enhanced biosecurity measures. With prices projected to rise further, stakeholders across the industry must collaborate to ensure stability in the country’s egg supply.
