The U.S. egg supply is facing a severe shortage as the avian influenza outbreak continues to spread and prices have soared to record highs. To alleviate the domestic supply crisis, the U.S. government recently sought help from several European countries, asking if they could increase egg exports to fill the supply gap.
Bird Flu Leads to Egg Supply Shortage
The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the U.S. since 2022 has led to the culling of about 100 million egg-laying hens, which has had a huge impact on egg production. With the spread of avian influenza, domestic egg production has been severely affected, while market demand continues to grow, leading to a sharp rise in egg prices. According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, in February 2025, the retail price of eggs in the US rose by nearly 60% year-on-year, with the retail price in some areas already close to $6 per dozen, a record high.
Europe Emerges as a Potential Source of Supply
To alleviate the domestic egg shortage, the U.S. government has begun a dialog with several major European egg-producing countries for assistance. As the European market supply of eggs is relatively stable and some countries in the avian influenza prevention and control measures, the United States hopes that through international trade to make up for the domestic supply gap. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been in contact with several European governments and traders to explore ways to increase egg exports and ease supply pressures on the global market.
However, despite the willingness expressed by some European countries to increase egg exports, the tight global egg supply situation has still not been effectively alleviated. Experts have pointed out that Europe’s supply capacity has been similarly affected by avian influenza, especially in important egg-laying countries such as the Netherlands and Poland, where the avian influenza epidemic has resulted in production failing to return to expected levels. Therefore, whether Europe can meet the U.S. demand is still an unresolved problem.
Market Volatility Triggers US Government Investigation
The surge in U.S. egg prices has sparked widespread concern. The latest news notes that consumers and retailers have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the price increases, with some members of the public believing that there is unfairness in the market and accusing some companies of taking advantage of the situation to raise prices. To this end, the U.S. Department of Justice has decided to launch an investigation, focusing on market monopoly and the existence of artificially high prices. Economists have pointed out that while avian flu has had an impact on the supply chain, the high degree of concentration and opacity in the market may also have exacerbated the price increases.
Uncertain Outlook, the Crisis May Continue
The continued rise in U.S. egg prices has put considerable pressure on consumers, especially low-income families. The U.S. government is currently taking several measures to strengthen domestic avian influenza prevention and control while stabilizing supply through cooperation with Europe. However, due to the tense situation in the global market, it may be difficult to find a fundamental solution to the egg supply crisis in the United States in the short term. As the government continues to communicate with the international community, the future development of the egg supply issue remains to be closely monitored.
Against the backdrop of the continuing spread of the global avian influenza epidemic, international cooperation and domestic prevention and control will be key to alleviating the supply shortage and stabilizing market prices.
