Surge in Egg Smuggling: US Citizens Turn to Canada Amid Rising Prices

U.S. border authorities have reported a significant increase in attempts to smuggle eggs from Canada, driven by soaring egg prices in the United States. This surge in smuggling activities is linked to the worst avian influenza outbreak in U.S. history, which has drastically affected domestic egg supply.

Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicates that from October 2024 to February 2025, seizures of smuggled eggs increased by 36% compared to the previous year. In particular, the Detroit border crossing, a primary entry point for Canadian eggs, has seen a notable rise in these incidents, as reported by CBC News.

As of February, the average price for a dozen eggs in the U.S. reached approximately 8.40 Canadian dollars (around 5.90 U.S. dollars), while Canadian retailers, such as Walmart in Windsor, Ontario, offered the same product for about 3.93 Canadian dollars. Agricultural economist Mike von Massow from the University of Guelph explained that Canada does not face an egg shortage, attributing this stability to its smaller-scale farming operations, which are less susceptible to outbreaks of avian influenza.

In contrast to the U.S., where large-scale farms dominate the market, Canada's farming system relies on smaller operations, typically with around 25,000 laying hens. This structure, bolstered by government regulations and import restrictions, has mitigated the impact of the avian flu outbreak on their egg supply.

While the Biden administration has already invested two billion U.S. dollars in combating avian influenza as of 2022, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a five-point plan in late February 2025, which includes temporarily increasing egg imports to address the supply crisis.

Interestingly, CBP data reveals that the number of egg smuggling attempts has surpassed those related to fentanyl, with 3,254 incidents involving eggs in January and February 2025 compared to only 134 instances involving fentanyl. The amount of the opioid found at the northern border with Canada was a mere 0.53 kg, accounting for less than 1% of the total quantities discovered nationwide.

The ongoing egg crisis could lead to a disappointing Easter for many in the U.S., particularly for those who had hoped for a resolution under President Donald Trump, who had promised to lower egg prices upon taking office. As of February, egg prices were up by 59% compared to the previous year, prompting ridicule on social media, with memes circulating that highlight empty supermarket shelves alongside slogans questioning Trump's commitments.

The escalating trade dispute with Canada has resulted in retaliatory price hikes on products from Republican states, further complicating the matter. Critics, including former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have pointed out that Canada plays a minimal role in the fentanyl smuggling crisis, thereby challenging the rationale behind Trump's trade policies.

Moreover, the egg smuggling issue is not confined to the Canadian border. In El Paso, Texas, there have been 90 reported attempts to smuggle eggs from Mexico since January, where prices are significantly lower, sometimes costing a third of U.S. prices. Smugglers have resorted to creative methods to conceal the eggs, hiding them in beverage crates, car seats, and even baby diapers.

The U.S. agricultural regulations stipulate that to prevent the spread of animal diseases, eggs can only be brought into the country through designated channels. Many travelers are unaware that even a single egg must be declared. If discovered, the eggs are incinerated, as recently occurred in Texas, where numerous cartons were destroyed in a specialized facility.

First-time offenders typically receive a warning, but repeat offenders risk fines starting at 300 U.S. dollars. CBP officials emphasize that travelers are consistently asked about their agricultural products at inspection points.

While wholesale egg prices have recently dropped by 2.70 U.S. dollars per dozen, consumers have yet to see a corresponding decline in retail prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cautioned that lower wholesale prices have not yet made their way to store shelves. With Easter and Passover approaching, events that traditionally involve eggs, the crisis may reach a critical point.

In efforts to mitigate the situation, Secretary Rollins' five-point plan includes increasing chicken populations, streamlining permits for farms, and exploring avian flu vaccine options. Additionally, temporary imports from Canada and Mexico are under consideration, a move that contradicts the "America First" rhetoric espoused by the Trump administration.

This egg smuggling phenomenon underscores deeper issues within the U.S. agricultural sector, reflecting the challenges posed by an industrialized farming model that prioritizes low prices at the expense of resilience. Experts warn that the concentration of egg production in a small number of large farms has made the industry more vulnerable to outbreaks. In contrast, Canada's approach, which supports smaller farms through subsidies and tariffs, has proven more sustainable. As the debate over agricultural policy continues, the current crisis may prompt a reevaluation of these strategies.