US sees record egg smuggling as prices hit new highs
US egg smuggling at all-time high amid price surge (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Egg seizures at the US border have risen by 116% in early 2025 as prices hit record highs due to a devastating bird flu outbreak, CBC news reports.
Soaring egg prices in the US have led to a sharp increase in illegal imports from neighboring countries.
CBP data shows 3,254 egg seizures in January and February 2025, a 116% rise from the same period last year. Most smuggled eggs come from Canada and Mexico, where they are significantly cheaper.
"The price difference is the main driver. A dozen eggs cost around $3.93 in Canada, while in the US, it's about $8.50," said CBP spokesperson Roger Maier. San Diego has seen the biggest spike, with a 158% increase in egg interceptions. Authorities warn that failing to declare agricultural products can result in fines of up to $10,000.
What’s behind the egg price surge?
The main reason for rising prices is an avian flu outbreak, which has led to the culling of over 30 million hens this year. Federal regulations require entire flocks to be destroyed if a single bird is infected.
"This is the worst egg production crisis in years," said Emily Metz, president of the American Egg Board.
In response, the US is increasing egg imports from Turkiye and Brazil, which have boosted shipments by 57.5%. Meanwhile, border officials are cracking down not only on egg smuggling but also on illegal wildlife trade - recently, a Chinese citizen was sentenced to 30 months in prison for smuggling over 2,000 protected turtles from the US to Hong Kong.
If prices don’t stabilize soon, Americans could see another spike just in time for Easter - the most expensive season for eggs.
