Egg Smuggling Rises as U.S. Border Officials Crack Down on Prohibited Imports

U.S. Customs has intercepted over 90 attempts to bring raw eggs from Mexico, citing health risks and record-high prices caused by bird flu.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported a 29% increase in egg detentions at ports of entry between October 2024 and February 2025 compared to the previous year.
More than 90 individuals in the El Paso region have been stopped since January for attempting to smuggle raw eggs from Mexico into the U.S., resulting in 16 civil penalties totaling nearly $4,000.
Egg prices in the U.S. have reached record levels, averaging $4.95 per dozen in January 2025, driven by a persistent bird flu outbreak that has led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens.
Raw egg imports from Mexico are prohibited due to concerns over the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Virulent Newcastle Disease, which pose significant risks to poultry and food safety.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects egg prices may rise another 20.3% in 2025, though efforts to control bird flu and supply chain disruptions could stabilize prices later in the year.