Instant Insight

30-Second Take

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seizing significantly more eggs than fentanyl at the border.
• Egg seizures have increased by nearly 40% due to soaring egg prices in the U.S.
• The surge is driven by avian flu outbreaks and subsequent egg rationing in the U.S.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The U.S. is experiencing a significant increase in egg seizures at its borders, primarily due to the escalating prices of eggs within the country. This trend is a direct result of the avian flu outbreak, which has led to the slaughter of over 166 million birds, including more than 30 million egg-laying chickens since the start of the year.

Core Players

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – Responsible for enforcing border regulations.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture – Predicts record egg prices and oversees agricultural health.
• Tammara Soma – Director of the Food System Lab at Simon Fraser University, providing insights on food systems and consumer behavior.

Key Numbers

• 40% – Increase in egg seizures compared to the same time last year.
• $4.95 – Average price per dozen eggs in the U.S. as of February 2025.
• 166 million – Number of birds slaughtered to limit the avian flu virus’ spread.
• 30 million – Number of egg-laying chickens killed since the start of the year.
• $1.4 billion – Estimated cost to consumers due to increased egg prices last year.

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The avian flu outbreak has been the primary driver behind the surge in egg prices and subsequent border seizures. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that egg prices could soar more than 40% in 2025, exacerbating the situation.

“In the U.S. in particular, they have been rationing eggs, where people can only buy, say one or two cartons,” explained Tammara Soma, highlighting the restrictive measures that are influencing consumer behavior.

Inside Forces

The CBP has reported that the majority of travelers caught with eggs had declared them, but those who fail to declare face a $300 fine. This strict enforcement is part of broader efforts to prevent the spread of avian flu.

Egg rationing and purchase limits in U.S. stores have led to desperation among consumers, driving some to attempt smuggling eggs from Canada and Mexico.

Power Dynamics

The U.S. government, through the CBP and the Department of Agriculture, holds significant power in enforcing these regulations. The economic impact of these measures is felt across various sectors, including consumers, retailers, and small businesses like bakeries.

Restaurants such as Denny’s and Waffle House have started adding surcharges to egg dishes to mitigate the increased costs.

Outside Impact

The broader implications of these egg seizures extend beyond the U.S. border. The economic strain on consumers and businesses is substantial, with estimated costs exceeding $1.4 billion last year.

The situation also highlights the vulnerability of food systems to health crises and the need for robust regulatory measures to protect public health.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, the U.S. will likely continue to face challenges in managing egg supplies and prices. The Department of Agriculture’s predictions suggest that the situation may worsen before it improves.

Potential solutions include improving biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks and exploring alternative egg sources to stabilize the market.

Data Points

• February 2025: Average egg price hits $4.95 per dozen in the U.S.
• 2025: Over 30 million egg-laying chickens killed due to avian flu.
• 2024: Estimated $1.4 billion cost to consumers due to increased egg prices.
• $300 – Fine for failing to declare eggs at the border.