US Egg Imports from Turkey and South Korea Amid Soaring Prices

As American egg prices reach record highs, the US administration plans to import hundreds of millions of eggs from Turkey and South Korea and is exploring additional international partnerships. With the ongoing crisis attributed to a severe bird flu outbreak, officials are also implementing a comprehensive $1 billion plan to stabilize egg production.

In an effort to combat soaring egg prices, the US administration announced plans to import millions of eggs from Turkey and South Korea, alongside discussions with additional countries for potential supply solutions. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that these imports could amount to "hundreds of millions of eggs for the short term" in light of elevated prices reaching historic levels.

This initiative follows the Biden administration's recent $1 billion plan aimed at addressing the ongoing bird flu crisis that has led to the culling of tens of millions of chickens nationwide. Despite promises during his campaign to reduce consumer prices, egg costs have surged more than 65% over the past year, with projections suggesting a further 41% increase by 2025.

Rollins emphasized the importance of rebuilding the chicken population, with hopes that once the industry stabilizes, focus will return to domestic egg production. Reports indicate that Polish and Lithuanian poultry associations have been approached by the US for possible egg exports, demonstrating the administration's proactive stance in sourcing eggs globally.

The comprehensive plan announced by the US Department of Agriculture includes substantial investments in biosecurity, vaccine research, and direct financial relief for farmers affected by the bird flu. The measures, such as providing consulting services to commercial egg farms for biosecurity improvements, aim to help farmers combat vulnerabilities to the disease.

Since the emergence of a significant avian flu outbreak in 2022, which has resulted in over 156 million bird deaths and drastically increased egg prices, the administration has been seeking solutions to protect both farmers and consumers. Notably, former President Trump has attributed the spike in egg prices to his predecessor, Joe Biden, while continually advocating for strategies to lower costs for American consumers.