Trump Claims Egg Prices Are 'WAY DOWN' As US Plans Imports From Turkey and South Korea

In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump has taken to social media to assert that egg prices are on the decline, despite the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicting a 41.1% increase in 2025. This claim comes as the Trump administration unveils a plan to import eggs from Turkey and South Korea, aiming to stabilize prices amidst a severe bird flu outbreak that has decimated the domestic egg supply.

The bird flu outbreak, which began in 2022, has led to the culling of over 166 million birds, with a significant portion being egg-laying chickens. This has resulted in a drastic reduction in egg supply, driving prices to record highs. As of March 2025, the average price of a dozen eggs reached $4.95, a stark increase from previous years. The economic strain on farmers is substantial, with the USDA already paying farmers roughly $1.2 billion for the birds they had to slaughter. Additional aid is being provided to help farmers bring in new flocks more quickly, but the financial burden and the time required to rebuild flocks could deter future investments in the poultry sector.



The Trump administration's plan to import eggs from Turkey and South Korea aligns with its broader economic policies aimed at stabilizing egg prices and addressing the supply shortage caused by the bird flu outbreak. Turkey has already started exporting around 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the United States, and South Korea has recently begun exporting eggs to the U.S. for the first time, with Gyerim Farm shipping 20 tons to Georgia. Additionally, Brazil has seen a surge in egg exports to the U.S., with a 57.5% increase in February compared to the previous year.

However, this strategy may face several potential challenges. One challenge is the global egg shortage, as noted by the Danish Egg Association, which stated that there is a shortage of eggs everywhere on a global scale because consumption is increasing and many are affected by bird flu. This could limit the availability of eggs for import and make it difficult for the U.S. to secure enough eggs to meet domestic demand.

Another challenge is the regulatory hurdles and hygiene requirements that may impede the import process. The Danish Egg Association highlighted that egg exports to the U.S. were challenging due to regulations related to hygiene and other factors. This could slow down the import process and make it more difficult for the U.S. to secure a steady supply of eggs.

Additionally, the administration's plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on April 2 could further complicate the import process. The plan aims to counter perceived trade imbalances by matching tariffs imposed by other nations on U.S. exports, but its legal basis is uncertain. This could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries, including those from which the U.S. is seeking to import eggs, and make it more difficult for the U.S. to secure a steady supply of eggs.

The long-term impacts of the avian flu outbreak on the U.S. poultry industry include financial strain on farmers, increased investment in biosecurity measures, potential diversification of supply chains, and research into vaccines and therapeutics. These factors will likely influence future investment decisions, with investors weighing the risks and opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of the poultry industry.

In summary, the Trump administration's plan to import eggs from Turkey and South Korea is a bold move aimed at stabilizing egg prices and addressing the supply shortage caused by the bird flu outbreak. However, this strategy may face several potential challenges, including the global egg shortage, regulatory hurdles, and the administration's plan to impose reciprocal tariffs. The long-term impacts of the avian flu outbreak on the U.S. poultry industry are significant, and future investment decisions will likely be influenced by the evolving landscape of the industry.