Egg Smuggling Surpasses Fentanyl Seizures at U.S. Borders in 2025

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports a sharp rise in egg smuggling as high prices and avian flu disrupt the American egg market.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seized 5,938 egg-related products and 1,631 pounds of fentanyl so far in 2025, highlighting an unusual trend at the border.
Egg prices in the U.S. have soared due to an avian flu outbreak, which has led to mass culling of chickens and reduced egg supplies nationwide.
Egg smuggling from Mexico has increased significantly, with seizures rising 36% nationwide and over 150% in San Diego compared to the previous year, as eggs cost a third as much in Mexico.
CBP prohibits raw egg imports due to disease concerns, and violators face fines up to $300 for first offenses, with seized eggs destroyed using strict protocols.
The U.S. government is investigating potential price manipulation in the egg industry and has committed $1 billion to address rising costs, including biosecurity measures at farms.