US Seeks Egg Imports from Denmark Amid Soaring Prices

The US has reached out to Denmark and other European countries requesting egg exports as Americans face skyrocketing egg prices, according to a statement from the country’s Egg Producers Association. The US Department of Agriculture’s request coincides with a series of new American tariffs on countries, including Europe, and the threat of imposing more. President Donald Trump has also threatened economic sanctions if Denmark does not hand over control of Greenland to the United States. Record-high egg prices in the US are being driven by the rapid spread of avian flu among laying hens, which has reduced supplies. Trump had promised to lower egg prices on his first day in office, but prices surged by 59% annually in February, the first month of his administration. A Reuters-obtained letter revealed that a USDA representative in Europe sent official inquiries to egg-producing countries at the end of February, seeking information about their capacity and willingness to export eggs to the US market. The letter addressed to the Danish Egg Producers Association in early March stated that they were awaiting further guidance from Washington regarding next steps but requested an estimate of the number of eggs that could be delivered to the US, assuming all import requirements are met. ‘Washington is trying to assess the quantity it could obtain,’ the letter noted. The Danish Egg Producers Association announced it would review the request but emphasized there is no surplus of eggs in Europe due to increased global consumption and the impact of avian flu. Egg exports to the US present challenges due to hygiene regulations and other factors. Turkey reported in February that it had begun exporting approximately 15,000 tons of eggs to the US. Last month, US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled a $1 billion plan to combat avian flu, which includes sourcing imported eggs. The US Embassy in Copenhagen did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Reuters also sought commentary from the USDA.