America’s ongoing egg shortage has prompted an unexpected solution—sourcing eggs from Turkey. Not the bird, but the country.
Turkey is set to export 420 million eggs to the United States in 2025, the highest volume ever recorded, according to the Egg Producers Central Union of Turkey.
The surge in imports comes as avian flu continues to devastate egg-laying flocks across the U.S. Since 2022, more than 140 million birds have died due to the virus, with 17 million lost in just November and December. The resulting decline in egg supply has led to soaring prices.
Avian Flu Drives Prices Up
“Bird flu is the main reason behind our increased export capacity,” said Ibrahim Afyon, chairman of the Egg Producers Central Union.
Egg prices have surged in response to the shortage. In January, the average cost for a dozen large Grade A eggs hit $4.95, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retailers like Costco and Trader Joe’s have implemented purchase limits, while Waffle House has added a 50-cent surcharge per egg.
It will take months for U.S. poultry farms to replenish their flocks, and the USDA predicts another 20% increase in egg prices this year. The Consumer Price Index reported a 15.2% price jump in January alone, with a staggering 53% increase year-over-year.
Turkey Steps In—But Will It Be Enough?
Faced with the crisis, U.S. businesses are turning to international suppliers, but Turkey is currently the only country exporting eggs to the U.S., according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
However, experts warn that increased imports won’t fully resolve the shortage.
“While this will help offset some production losses, it won’t make a significant impact if avian flu continues at its current pace,” said Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation.
On average, the U.S. produces over 7.5 billion eggs annually, but that number is expected to decline as the virus continues to spread.
A Temporary Solution
U.S. egg industry leaders support the temporary imports to stabilize supply.
“We support importing egg products to help ease the strain as we navigate this challenging time,” said Chad Gregory, president and CEO of United Egg Producers.
Last year, the U.S. imported 71 million eggs from Turkey. This year, imports are projected to be nearly six times higher, with 240 million eggs arriving by July and the remainder before year’s end.
Turkey, the world’s fifth-largest egg exporter, sent $411 million worth of eggs abroad in 2023. This year, its U.S. egg exports alone are expected to total $37 million.
Could Vaccines Be the Answer?
Some poultry farmers believe vaccination could be a more sustainable solution. Doug Corwin, a Long Island farmer who had to cull 99,000 ducks after an avian flu outbreak, argues it’s time to start vaccinating birds.
The USDA recently issued a conditional license for an avian flu vaccine for chickens. Zoetis, the vaccine’s manufacturer, stated that the license was granted based on safety, purity, and a reasonable expectation of effectiveness.
However, vaccinating poultry presents trade concerns. Many international buyers hesitate to purchase poultry from vaccinated flocks, fearing that the virus could become endemic and harder to detect. This is a significant concern for the U.S., the world’s largest poultry producer and second-largest poultry meat exporter.
The White House Response
The White House is developing a plan to combat the avian flu crisis. Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House Economic Council, recently stated on CBS’ Face the Nation that the strategy involves biosecurity measures, medication, and perimeter controls.
“Having a smart perimeter is what we’re working on with top government scientists,” Hassett said. “This should have happened a year ago—if it had, egg prices would be much better today.”
Meanwhile, agricultural experts stress the need for increased funding and staffing to bolster virus research and surveillance. However, recent budget cuts have led to layoffs at key agencies, including the CDC and USDA.
“If ever there was a time to avoid further chaos in the system, this is it,” said Rebecca Carriere Christofferson, an associate professor at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
In a sign of the urgency, the USDA recently revoked termination notices it had sent to workers involved in the avian flu response.
As the crisis unfolds, U.S. consumers will likely continue to feel the impact, with imports and potential vaccinations offering temporary relief—but no immediate solution.
