Tariff Uncertainty: The U.S. may impose new 10-26% tariffs on imported eggs from Turkey, Brazil, and South Korea—key suppliers brought in to ease a domestic shortage caused by bird flu.
Price Risks: Processed egg products (used in food manufacturing) could see further price hikes if importers pass on tariff costs, warns the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council.
Supply Crunch: The U.S. imported 1.6M+ dozen eggs in early 2025 (vs. zero in 2024), but tariffs and foreign bird flu outbreaks may curb future shipments.
Why It Matters:
Contradictory Policies: The tariffs clash with USDA efforts to stabilize egg supplies after 170M poultry deaths since 2022. Wholesale prices remain 60% higher YoY at $3/dozen.
Global Fallout: Brazil and South Korea are assessing retaliatory measures, while Turkey’s own bird flu cases may limit exports.
Industry Strain: Importers warn tariffs could negate the price relief seen in recent weeks as domestic production recovers.
Quotable:
“You will see increases in processed egg prices here.” — Greg Tyler, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council
“This is an uncertain time.” — Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Fox News
What’s Next:
Watch for retaliatory tariffs from egg-exporting nations.
If imports drop, US consumers may face renewed price pressure ahead of summer demand peaks.