The Trump administration has reached out to European countries, including Denmark, to request egg supplies as American consumers face skyrocketing egg prices. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent letters to EU egg producers in February, seeking information on their ability and willingness to export eggs to the US. This request comes despite Trump’s previous tariffs on EU steel and aluminum imports and his threats to impose 200% levies on European alcoholic drinks.
Egg prices in the US have surged by 59% year-on-year as of February, driven in part by an outbreak of bird flu that has disrupted supply. The USDA’s letter to the Danish Egg Association asked for estimates of how many eggs could be supplied to the US, assuming they meet all import requirements. However, the Danish Egg Association responded that there are no surplus eggs in Europe due to global shortages caused by bird flu and increased consumption. They also highlighted the challenges of exporting eggs to the US, citing strict hygiene regulations and other logistical hurdles.
The USDA’s efforts to source imported eggs are part of a broader $1 billion plan to combat bird flu and stabilize egg prices. Turkey has already begun exporting around 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the US, but European producers have been less responsive due to supply constraints.
Meanwhile, tensions between the US and the EU continue to escalate. Trump recently threatened to impose 200% tariffs on European alcohol imports in response to the EU’s plans to tax US-produced whiskey at 50%. The EU’s move was itself a retaliation for Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including those from Europe.
The egg shortage and rising prices have left American consumers frustrated, especially as Trump had vowed to lower food costs during his presidency. Instead, the combination of bird flu, supply chain disruptions, and trade tensions has led to a significant increase in egg prices, further straining household budgets. As the US seeks solutions to the egg crisis, the situation highlights the complexities of global trade and the unintended consequences of protectionist policies.
