This year, Turkey is set to export a record-breaking 420 million eggs to the United States, according to CNN, citing information from the Turkish Central Union of Egg Producers. The dramatic increase is prompted by the surging prices of eggs within the U.S., which have soared by 15.2% just last January, and spiked by 53% year-over-year according to the consumer price index. Analysts predict prices may rise another 20% this year.
Reports highlight how American companies are actively seeking to import eggs from Turkey—the only nation permitted to supply eggs to the U.S. Following the outbreak of avian influenza, which claimed the lives of more than 140 million egg-laying hens across the States since 2022, the American production of eggs has taken a significant hit. Just during November and December of 2024, around 17 million hens were lost, underscoring the agriculture crisis fueling these imports.
Last year, the U.S. imported 71 million eggs from Turkey, but this year’s forecast indicates imports will increase nearly sixfold. Turkey is expected to ship approximately 240 million eggs by July, with the remainder delivered by year’s end. Nevertheless, experts caution against expecting the surge of Turkish imports to alleviate the persisting egg shortage. Bernt Nelson, economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, stated, “While this is sufficient to compensate for some of the production losses, it will not provide substantial support if HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) continues to spread at this pace.”
Egg prices have seen varied impacts across the nation. Recently, the price for a dozen large Grade A eggs averaged $4.95. Retail chains like Costco and Trader Joe's have placed limits on the number of eggs customers can purchase, and the Waffle House has introduced a 50-cent surcharge for each egg supplied. It is taking months to restore lost flocks, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts additional increases in egg prices throughout 2025.
The soaring demand for Turkish eggs also follows the mounting economic pressures on consumers. Egg prices drastically surged, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a staggering 70.1% rise from January of the prior year. This inflation surge continues to exacerbate food costs for American households, intensifying their search for reliable egg sources.
The rapid pace of avian flu infections remains problematic. According to the American Egg Board, U.S. egg production is typically over 7.5 billion eggs annually. Unfortunately, this year's output is on track for a significant decline, as the avian flu crisis leads to the loss of more poultry.
While Turkey aims to fill the gap with its export offer, agricultural experts are also contemplating the future dynamics of this new trade relationship. Questions linger about sustainability and long-term impacts on U.S. poultry production. Turkey’s burgeoning egg export strategy could evolve depending on consumer demands, market fluctuations, and potential changes to avian flu situations.
Undoubtedly, the forthcoming surge of Turkish eggs offers temporary respite to American consumers, but as market conditions continue to evolve, the poultry industry faces both opportunities and challenges.