Trump officials seek eggs from Europe after bird flu crisis sent prices soaring

Frantic Trump officials have been trying to import eggs from Europe to quell skyrocketing prices in the U.S.

Staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have reached out to producers in Germany, Italy, Poland, and Sweden among other nations, reports from European industry groups have revealed. However, for foreign farmers, it isn't political wrangling over the president's import tariffs that are causing headaches - it's more about practicality.

European nations are strapped for spare eggs due to their battles with avian flu and the spike in demand as Easter approaches. A significant hurdle also lies in the differing food safety protocols between continents. American regulations demand sanitization and refrigeration of fresh eggs prior to sale, whereas EU guidelines stipulate that Grade A eggs be unrefrigerated and unwashed.

"These are two systems that could not be more different," Hans-Peter Goldnick, president of the German Egg Association, pointed out. In many European locales, it's quite ordinary for consumers to purchase eggs that bear traces of feathers and chicken droppings.

U.S. representatives have also approached farmers in northern Italy’s Veneto region as part of their search for emergency egg supplies, reveals Coldiretti, Italy’s primary agricultural lobbying group. Yet, given that Italy produces just enough eggs to satisfy its own needs and the country has witnessed its own bird flu outbreaks, most producers from the region could not help.

While informal trade discussions continue, the U.S. market has shown signs of recovery. It's been almost a month since a major bird flu outbreak affected egg-laying hens, the department reported.

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It noted that the national wholesale price for large eggs fell to $3.27 per dozen as of March 21, less than half its peak of $8.15 per dozen on Feb. 21. U.S. shoppers are beginning to notice the dip in wholesale prices reflected on their grocery store receipts, according to the department.

However, with Easter and Passover around the corner, traditionally a period of high egg demand, there's a chance prices might rise again next month.

Since embarking on his second term, President Trump has not been treading lightly when it comes to Europe. His ongoing threats to annex Greenland, which is part of Denmark, have sparked outrage among the Danes. Additionally, his approach to Ukraine and negative comments from senior officials in his administration have caused concern among U.S. allies in Europe.

Despite being the third-largest trading partner with the U.S., the European Union was not spared from the tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles imposed by Trump.

Anticipating further tariffs, the EU has readied retaliatory measures against American goods. Nevertheless, many European officials maintain that this tension wouldn't prevent them from exporting eggs. Goldnick relayed a conversation with an egg producer friend who said, "if the price is right, then I'll deliver."