In an effort to address unprecedented egg price hikes attributed to an ongoing bird flu epidemic, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the Trump administration plans to import hundreds of millions of eggs from Turkey and South Korea. Additionally, the administration's $1 billion initiative aims to enhance biosecurity and provide financial relief for farmers.
U.S. Egg Imports from Turkey and South Korea Amid Surging Prices
U.S. Egg Imports from Turkey and South Korea Amid Surging Prices
To combat soaring egg prices driven by avian flu, the U.S. government announces plans to import millions of eggs from Turkey and South Korea as part of a multi-faceted agricultural response.
The Trump administration is taking significant steps to combat skyrocketing egg prices in the U.S., as Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed plans to import millions of eggs from Turkey and South Korea. The move comes in response to an avian flu outbreak that has devastated the domestic poultry industry, forcing farmers to cull tens of millions of hens.
In a media briefing at the White House, Rollins emphasized that these imports would amount to "hundreds of millions of eggs" and noted ongoing discussions with additional countries to secure more supplies. The aggressive approach aims to alleviate a 65% increase in egg prices over the past year, with projections signaling a further 41% rise by 2025.
The situation has prompted concern among American consumers as well as poultry farmers. Earlier in February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled a comprehensive $1 billion plan, allocating significant funds toward measures such as biosecurity improvements, vaccine R&D, and financial assistance for farmers facing market hardships. Rollins mentioned that USDA is also offering free consulting services to commercial egg farms to enhance biosecurity protocols in efforts to curb avian flu spread.
Reports indicate that U.S. embassies have reached out to Polish and Lithuanian poultry associations exploring potential egg exports, signaling a broader international response to the crisis. The effects of bird flu, particularly the severe outbreak that began in 2022, have led to the death of over 156 million birds, exacerbating the supply and demand imbalance and thus driving prices to new highs.
During this politically charged period, former President Trump has cited rising egg prices as a focal point in his strategy to reclaim the presidency, blaming the current administration for the crisis. Although the Biden administration directed culling measures in response to the outbreak, egg prices have continued to rise, presenting a challenge for the incumbent president as well.
The dynamic situation illustrates not only the challenges faced in managing domestic agricultural health but also the broader implications for consumers, farmers, and political narratives as the demand for essential food items remains a contentious issue.
