Egg Smuggling on the Rise as U.S. Prices Hit Record Highs

Border agents report a 29% increase in egg seizures, linked to avian flu outbreaks and soaring costs in the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seen a 29% increase in egg seizures at southern ports of entry from October 2024 to February 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The rise in smuggling attempts follows a severe avian flu outbreak that has led to the culling of millions of chickens, disrupting egg production and driving prices to over $5 per dozen.
CBP officials have issued civil penalties totaling nearly $4,000 for undeclared raw egg imports, which are prohibited due to disease concerns like bird flu and Newcastle disease.
Turkey has agreed to export 15,000 tons of eggs to the U.S. as part of a deal to alleviate the ongoing shortage, with shipments continuing through July 2025.
Travelers are reminded that failure to declare agricultural items, including raw eggs, can result in fines of up to $10,000, as U.S. officials tighten restrictions on animal product imports.