The United States is turning to Turkey for egg imports as a devastating bird flu outbreak continues to disrupt domestic production and drive up prices. Turkey has begun shipping 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the U.S., helping to alleviate supply shortages caused by the deadly virus, according to Ibrahim Afyon, chairman of the Egg Producers Central Union in Turkey.
Why the U.S. is Importing Eggs from Turkey
Since 2022, the U.S. poultry industry has been battling a severe bird flu outbreak, which has led to the culling of approximately 162 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds. The latest surge in infections has worsened egg shortages, causing grocery stores to ration supplies and restaurants to raise prices. The crisis has also put pressure on the Biden administration, as rising food costs affect American households.
To counter the supply disruption, the U.S. government has allowed temporary egg imports, with Turkey stepping in as a key supplier. The shipments, which began this month, will continue until July. Afyon revealed that the eggs will be exported through member companies with the required authorizations, with two firms coordinating the process.
The Scale of the Export Deal
Turkey’s commitment involves the shipment of 15,000 tonnes of eggs—equivalent to 700 containers. This deal is expected to generate approximately $26 million in revenue for Turkish egg producers. Turkey is among the world’s top 10 egg exporters, making it a reliable partner in stabilizing the U.S. egg market.
The Impact of Bird Flu on the U.S. Market
The bird flu outbreak has had a widespread impact on the U.S. agricultural sector. The virus was first detected in dairy cattle in Texas last March and has since spread to over 970 herds across 17 states. Nearly 70 people, mostly farm workers exposed to infected poultry or cattle, have been infected, with one reported death.
The crisis has prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to rebuild its stockpile of bird flu vaccines for poultry. The USDA recently granted a conditional license to animal health company Zoetis for a chicken vaccine, though it has yet to be authorized for use.
How This Affects U.S. Consumers
Egg prices in the U.S. have skyrocketed due to the shortages, forcing many households to cut back on purchases. Some grocery stores have implemented rationing measures, and restaurants have adjusted their menus to compensate for the high costs. The introduction of imported eggs from Turkey is expected to provide some relief, stabilizing prices and improving availability in the coming months.
Chad Gregory, CEO of United Egg Producers, emphasized the importance of temporary imports, stating, “We support the import of egg products to help ease the strain on the U.S. egg supply.”
Final Thoughts
With the bird flu outbreak still unfolding, the U.S. egg market remains volatile. However, Turkey’s role as an egg supplier offers a temporary solution to the crisis. As the USDA works on long-term strategies, including potential vaccine deployment, American consumers may see some relief in egg prices in the near future.
For more updates on the global food supply and trade policies, stay tuned.
