To address the ongoing egg shortage in the U.S., American businesses are turning to Turkey for help, with the country planning to export a record 420 million eggs to the U.S. this year, according to the Egg Producers Central Union in Turkey.
This surge in egg exports comes in response to the devastating effects of avian flu, which has wiped out over 140 million egg-laying birds in the U.S. since 2022. The virus claimed another 17 million birds in just November and December, significantly reducing the egg supply and causing prices to skyrocket.
“Bird flu is the main driver behind our increased export capacity,” said Ibrahim Afyon, chairman of the Egg Producers Central Union.
Turkey Steps Up: A 420 Million Egg Export Deal to Help Ease the Crisis
Egg prices in the U.S. have reached new highs, with a dozen large Grade A eggs averaging $4.95 last month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retailers like Costco and Trader Joe’s have placed limits on egg purchases, while Waffle House is charging a 50-cent surcharge per egg.
With the virus continuing to affect flocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts another 20% increase in egg prices this year. January saw a 15.2% price increase, and the cost of eggs has risen 53% from the previous year, according to the latest Consumer Price Index.
In an effort to ease the strain, U.S. businesses are seeking egg imports, with Turkey being the sole country supplying eggs to the U.S. The USDA reported that in 2024, the U.S. imported 71 million eggs from Turkey. This year, that number is expected to increase nearly sixfold, reaching a total of 420 million eggs. By mid-year, Turkey plans to ship 240 million eggs, with the remainder delivered by December.
Turkey is the world’s fifth-largest egg exporter, following the Netherlands, the U.S., Poland, and Germany. In 2023, Turkey exported $411 million worth of eggs globally, and its exports to the U.S. this year are valued at approximately $37 million.
Experts Warn: Imports Can Only Offer Temporary Relief
Despite the significant increase in imports, experts caution that this solution won’t fully resolve the shortage. “While increased imports will offset some production losses, it won’t provide much relief if avian flu continues at its current pace,” said Bernt Nelson, an economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The U.S. produces more than 7.5 billion eggs annually, but that number will likely decrease this year due to continued losses from avian flu. Chad Gregory, CEO of United Egg Producers, expressed support for importing egg products temporarily to help manage the situation. “Like everyone else, we are looking for solutions to this crisis,” he said.
Vaccination Plans for Poultry: A Potential Long-Term Solution
Another potential solution on the horizon is vaccination for poultry. Doug Corwin, a poultry farmer whose flock was decimated by the virus, advocates for vaccination to prevent future outbreaks. Last week, the USDA granted a conditional license for an avian flu vaccine for chickens. Zoetis, the vaccine’s manufacturer, emphasized that the product is both safe and effective based on available data.
However, vaccinating birds could create complications in trade. Vaccinated birds might be considered carriers of the virus, making it difficult for countries to detect avian flu in vaccinated poultry. This could affect global demand for U.S. poultry, which is a major player in the international market.
Challenges Ahead: Balancing Biosecurity, Trade, and Egg Production
The White House is working on a comprehensive plan to address the avian flu crisis, which includes enhanced biosecurity measures, medication, and creating a secure perimeter to protect poultry. Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House Economic Council, acknowledged that more should have been done sooner to prevent the current situation, which has contributed to inflated egg prices.
Experts in the agricultural sector argue that more funding and resources are needed to address the virus’s spread. This comes at a time when the federal government is scaling back its funding for research and surveillance efforts, with significant layoffs at agencies like the CDC and USDA.
“There’s never been a more crucial time to avoid further disruption in the system,” said Rebecca Carriere Christofferson, a veterinary professor at LSU.
In response to recent budget cuts, the USDA recently reversed termination notices issued to staff involved in bird flu management.
