America’s Egg Shortage: A Crisis with Global Implications
The United States is in the midst of an unprecedented egg shortage, driven by a devastating outbreak of avian flu that has killed over 140 million egg-laying birds since 2022. This crisis has led to skyrocketing egg prices, with a dozen large Grade A eggs averaging $4.95 in recent months—up 53% year over year. The shortage has forced U.S. businesses to look beyond their borders for solutions, with Turkey emerging as the primary supplier. This year, Turkey plans to export a record 420 million eggs to the U.S., nearly six times the 71 million imported in 2024. However, experts warn that even this significant increase may not be enough to offset the losses caused by the ongoing avian flu outbreak.
Turning to Turkey for Relief
Turkey, the world’s fifth-largest egg exporter, has become a lifeline for the U.S. as it grapples with the egg shortage. The country is expected to deliver 240 million eggs by July and the remaining 180 million by the end of the year. While this influx of eggs is expected to provide some relief, experts caution that it will not single-handedly resolve the crisis. Bernt Nelson, an economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation, noted that while imports can help offset production losses, they are not a long-term solution if the avian flu continues to spread at its current pace. Despite these limitations, the imports are a critical stopgap measure as the U.S. struggles to recover from the loss of millions of egg-laying birds.
The Economic Toll of Avian Flu
The avian flu outbreak has had a staggering impact on the U.S. egg industry, which typically produces over 7.5 billion dozen eggs annually. The death of more than 140 million birds since 2022 has drastically reduced production, leading to higher prices and shortages in stores. The situation has become so dire that some retailers, such as Costco and Trader Joe’s, have implemented limits on egg purchases, while restaurants like Waffle House have added surcharges to egg-based menu items. The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts egg prices to rise by an additional 20% this year, further straining household budgets already stretched by inflation.
Vaccination Debates and Trade Challenges
As the avian flu continues to spread, there is growing debate over how to address the crisis. Some advocates argue that vaccinating birds could help prevent further losses, and the USDA recently issued a conditional license for an avian flu vaccine for chickens. However, others in the industry are hesitant, citing concerns about potential trade repercussions. If the U.S. begins vaccinating its poultry, other countries may view the virus as endemic and impose restrictions on imports of U.S. poultry products. This could have significant economic implications, as the U.S. is the world’s largest poultry producer and second-largest exporter of poultry meat.
The Role of Policy and Research
The White House has announced plans to tackle the avian flu crisis through a comprehensive strategy involving biosecurity measures, medication, and improved surveillance. However, experts warn that more funding and resources are needed to address the root causes of the outbreak. The agricultural community has expressed concern over recent layoffs at key agencies, including the CDC and USDA, which have weakened the country’s ability to respond to the crisis. Rebecca Carriere Christofferson, a professor of pathobiological studies, emphasized the need for increased investment in research and surveillance, stating that this is a critical moment to stabilize the system.
A Path Forward
While the U.S. works to recover from the avian flu outbreak, the reliance on imports from countries like Turkey highlights the interconnected nature of the global food supply chain. As the country navigate this challenging period, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to restore domestic production and stabilize egg prices. For now, the influx of eggs from Turkey offers a much-needed lifeline, but the road to recovery will require a combination of vaccination, improved biosecurity, and strategic policy decisions. The hope is that these efforts will not only alleviate the current crisis but also build resilience against future outbreaks.
