Egg Shortage Following Avian Influenza: U.S. Seeks Imports from Germany

In light of a significant shortage of eggs in the United States, U.S. authorities have reached out to Germany to request increased exports. A spokesperson for the German Egg Association confirmed that they have received inquiries from U.S. officials regarding egg supplies.

The egg crisis in the U.S. has arisen due to recent outbreaks of avian influenza, which have caused a sharp increase in egg prices and a decrease in availability. Reports indicate that U.S. authorities have also sought egg imports from other European nations, including Denmark and Sweden, as they grapple with the fallout from this health crisis.

Despite ongoing trade tensions, the U.S. is exploring various options to supplement its egg supply. According to Hans-Peter Goldnick, president of the German Egg Association, some eggs are already being exported to the U.S. via the spot market, although the quantities are relatively limited. This is primarily because Germany itself is not producing eggs in surplus; only 73% of the eggs consumed in the country were produced domestically in 2023, with the remainder being imported.

The avian influenza virus H5N1 has been widely reported among wild birds globally and has recently caused significant outbreaks in poultry farms across the U.S. The response has involved the culling of numerous hens to control the spread of the disease.

At present, no official confirmation has been provided by the U.S. government regarding the various requests made to European countries for egg supplies. The situation continues to develop as the U.S. navigates its supply challenges amidst a complicated international trade environment.