Trump scrambles for European eggs.
Credit: Shutterstock, NinaxHenry
America scrambles for new imports as bird flu bites US egg market.
Get ready, because it’s breakfast time in the United States, and there’s no sunny side in sight. The Trump administration has reportedly asked European countries, including Denmark, to consider sending eggs across the Atlantic. But, why the sudden scramble? Because the nation’s egg supply has been hit hard by an outbreak of bird flu, leaving Americans staring at some truly eye-watering prices. Social media has seen a storm of complaints recently over the mammoth price of eggs, once a cheap staple part of the average American diet.
Raiding the henhouse: Are eggs the new caviar in America?
According to Bloomberg, egg prices in the US soared by a staggering 200% in February compared with 2024 levels. The cost of a dozen now sits at a record-breaking $8.41 (around £6.90). This spike – dubbed ‘eggflation’ by some – has made one of America’s favourite breakfast staples feel like a luxury item.
Culled before they hatch
The bird flu epidemic has sadly forced the culling of around 100 million chickens in the US since the outbreak began in 2022. With supplies shrinking, the Trump administration blames former President Joe Biden for failing to prevent the crisis, insisting that culling measures have gone too far. Despite these accusations, health experts maintain there is no risk to public health.
Denmark cracks open the door
Over in Denmark, the Danish Egg Association confirmed recently that the White House had called for help. However, Jørgen Nyberg Larsen, speaking on behalf of the Danish egg sector, warned that the hygiene regulations for exporting eggs to the US can be difficult to navigate. And there’s another sticking point: Europe itself doesn’t seem to have an enormous surplus of eggs. The door has been left open for ‘some eggs’ to be shipped to the US – but at what cost? Will Denmark drive a hard bargain and demand Texas in return? Experts say it’s unlikely… but hey, stranger deals have been made over breakfast.
Eggs-travagant demands?
While Trump’s team may have a taste for an eggy lifeline, Europe is still working on the numbers. With no clear excess supply, shipping eggs abroad might leave local markets shorter, driving egg-flation in Europe. European customers may end up paying more for eggs so that Americans can pay less. And, in a climate where costs are already on the rise, money talks – but will it be enough to tempt European producers across the pond?
For now, America’s breakfast plates remain a battleground. As the bird flu crisis continues, the search for affordable eggs is becoming ever more frantic. Will Denmark and other European nations step up to help Americans keep their sunny-sides up? Eggsactly. Watch this space… and keep an eye on that shopping bill.
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