The United States is grappling with a significant egg shortage, a crisis exacerbated by a severe avian influenza outbreak that has decimated domestic poultry populations. This shortage has led to soaring egg prices, prompting the U.S. government to seek international assistance to stabilize the market.

Global Outreach for Egg Exports

In late February 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reached out to several European nations, including Germany, Italy, Poland, and Sweden, to explore the possibility of importing eggs to alleviate the domestic shortage. This initiative underscores the severity of the situation and the lengths to which the U.S. is willing to go to secure a stable egg supply.

Challenges in International Egg Trade

However, exporting eggs to the U.S. presents several challenges for European producers. A primary concern is the stark contrast in food safety regulations between the U.S. and the European Union. The U.S. mandates that eggs be sanitized and refrigerated before reaching consumers, whereas EU standards allow eggs to be sold unwashed and without extended chilling. As Hans-Peter Goldnick, president of the German Egg Association, noted, “These are two systems that could not be more different.” This discrepancy complicates the logistics of exporting eggs from Europe to the U.S.

Domestic Constraints and International Relations

European countries are also contending with their own challenges. Many have experienced avian flu outbreaks, leading to reduced egg production. Additionally, the approach of Easter, a period of heightened domestic demand, further limits the availability of surplus eggs for export. Despite these constraints, European producers have expressed a willingness to assist, provided the financial terms are favorable. Goldnick mentioned that an egg producer friend recently told him, “If the price is right, then I’ll deliver.” This sentiment reflects a pragmatic approach to international trade amidst challenging circumstances.

Alternative Solutions and Ongoing Efforts

In response to the egg shortage, the U.S. has also turned to other international sources. Notably, Turkey began exporting approximately 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the U.S. in February 2025. Additionally, the U.S. is considering regulatory changes to allow eggs from chickens raised for meat to be used in processed foods, aiming to diversify the egg supply chain and mitigate the impact of the shortage. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to stabilize the egg market and provide relief to consumers facing inflated prices.

Implications for U.S. Consumers

The egg shortage has had a tangible impact on U.S. consumers. Retail egg prices have reached unprecedented levels, with some regions reporting prices exceeding $7 per dozen. This surge has placed additional financial strain on households, particularly those in urban areas where prices are typically higher. The situation has also led to increased demand for alternative protein sources, as consumers seek more affordable options in response to the escalating cost of eggs.

Looking Ahead

As the U.S. continues to navigate this egg shortage, the situation remains fluid. Ongoing efforts to secure international egg supplies, coupled with domestic measures to control the avian flu outbreak, are critical to restoring stability to the egg market. The collaboration between the U.S. and international partners, alongside adaptive regulatory approaches, will play a pivotal role in addressing the current crisis and preventing future shortages.

What is causing the current egg shortage in the United States?

The primary cause of the egg shortage is a severe outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu), specifically the H5N1 strain, which has led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens across the country. This has significantly reduced egg production, resulting in higher prices and limited availability. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/how-bird-flu-has-sent-us-eggs-prices-skyrocketing-2025-02-21/?utm_source=openai))

How has the bird flu outbreak affected egg prices?

The bird flu outbreak has caused egg prices to soar to record highs. In January 2025, the average price of a dozen large, grade-A eggs was $4.15, marking a 60% increase from the previous year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects that egg prices could rise by 41.1% in 2025 due to the ongoing crisis.([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/eggs-prices-shortages-bird-flu-2025/?utm_source=openai), [axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/bird-flu-egg-prices-growing-shortages-eggs?utm_source=openai))

What measures is the U.S. government taking to address the egg shortage?

The U.S. government is implementing several strategies to mitigate the egg shortage, including:

• Seeking egg imports from countries like Turkey, Brazil, and South Korea to supplement domestic supply. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-turns-brazil-eggs-considers-other-sources-during-bird-flu-outbreak-2025-03-24/?utm_source=openai))
• Considering regulatory changes to allow eggs from chickens raised for meat to be used in processed foods. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-turns-brazil-eggs-considers-other-sources-during-bird-flu-outbreak-2025-03-24/?utm_source=openai))
• investing up to $1 billion to support farmers and explore vaccine options to control the spread of avian flu. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/bird-flu-egg-prices-growing-shortages-eggs?utm_source=openai))

How are consumers being affected by the egg shortage?

Consumers are experiencing higher egg prices and limited availability in stores. Some retailers have implemented purchase limits to manage the reduced supply. Additionally, the shortage has led to increased demand for option protein sources as consumers seek more affordable options. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/eggs-prices-shortages-bird-flu-2025/?utm_source=openai))

When is the egg shortage expected to end?

While efforts are underway to control the avian flu outbreak and stabilize egg production, experts anticipate that the shortage may persist for several months.The USDA projects that egg prices could continue to rise in 2025, with potential increases of up to 41.1%.([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/bird-flu-egg-prices-growing-shortages-eggs?utm_source=openai))