President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies could backfire as the U.S. government prepares to import up to 100 million eggs to combat skyrocketing prices caused by a devastating bird flu outbreak.
Bird flu fuels historic egg price surge
The nation’s poultry industry has been crippled by avian flu, leading to the slaughter of 166 million birds since 2022. With egg prices averaging $4.95 per dozen—and even surpassing $12 in some areas—the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is implementing a $1 billion strategy to stabilize the market.
Canada a key supplier despite Trump’s trade war
While the government has not officially disclosed which countries it will turn to for egg imports, Canada, as the largest exporter to the U.S., is a prime candidate. This would put Trump in an awkward position, as he recently imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, only to delay enforcement amid growing backlash.
Trump scrambles for solutions
In a cabinet meeting, Trump acknowledged the crisis, saying, “We have to get the prices down—not just inflation—the prices of eggs and various other things. Eggs are a disaster.” His administration is now exploring emergency measures, which could include easing trade restrictions.
Farmers struggle to contain outbreak
Despite biosecurity measures such as worker sanitation, farm audits, and vehicle disinfection, wild birds continue to spread the virus. The USDA reports that only one out of 150 audited farms had an outbreak, reinforcing the need for improved prevention tactics.
Consumers feel the squeeze
The egg crisis has cost American households at least $1.4 billion in the past year, with restaurant chains like Denny’s and Waffle House adding surcharges to egg dishes. Many consumers are now paying over a dollar per egg.
Will Trump backtrack on tariffs?
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins admits that relief won’t be immediate, stating, “It’s going to take a while to get through… hopefully by summer.” However, CoBank analyst Brian Earnest remains skeptical, saying, “I don’t see a whole lot here that is a big change from the current plan of action.”
If Trump ultimately lifts tariffs to address the crisis, it would mark a significant reversal of his protectionist policies—one that critics will likely seize upon as a sign of economic miscalculation.
