In the first months of 2025, more than 30 million birds have been culled in the United States. Brooke Rollins, head of the country's agricultural department, reported that to alleviate the egg shortage, inspected egg imports will be increased. Initially, the marketing of 16 thousand tons of eggs with Turkey was announced.
Data from the Department of Agriculture shows that in January, egg imports from Mexico amounted to 1.4 million dozen, with an approximate value of 2 million 16 thousand dollars. This figure significantly exceeds the 421 thousand dozen imported in December 2024, valued at 612 thousand dollars.
According to The Wall Street Journal, there has been an increase in the illegal trafficking of eggs at the border between Mexico and the U.S. People are trying to cross with cartons containing up to 30 eggs, claiming they are for personal use. By the end of February, the price of a dozen reached 5.90 dollars, and in some supermarkets, consumers observed prices of up to 10 dollars.
The Mexican government has reported that the price of a dozen eggs in some stores is approximately two dollars. Meanwhile, in border cities, it can fluctuate between 2.30 dollars. These figures contrast with the price of eggs in the U.S., which is three times higher.
In this scenario, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced measures to improve biosecurity on farms and combat inflation in egg prices. Authorities have detected a 36 percent increase in the interception of eggs at the border between the two countries.
Seizures are made in suspicious vehicles during a second inspection, as drivers often are unaware that the importation of eggs is illegal. Violations for illegal trafficking can carry fines of up to 300 dollars. The program to curb this smuggling will have an investment of around one billion dollars.
Authorities have also pointed out that the rise in egg prices is due to the culling of 166 million birds, especially laying hens. Once confiscated, illegally imported eggs are destroyed according to established safety protocols.
