Europe Ready to Export
- The United States is turning to international markets to bolster its egg supply, grappling with a critically important shortage caused by an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza...
- Last month, domestic production of table eggs fell by approximately 10%, a decrease of 720 million eggs compared to February 2024.
- Department of Agriculture (USDA), the country has reduced its egg exports to prioritize supply within the internal market.
US Looks Abroad Amid Egg Shortage Due to Avian Flu
The United States is turning to international markets to bolster its egg supply, grappling with a critically important shortage caused by an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu.
Last month, domestic production of table eggs fell by approximately 10%, a decrease of 720 million eggs compared to February 2024.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the country has reduced its egg exports to prioritize supply within the internal market.
Wholesale prices for large eggs have seen fluctuations.On March 21, the national wholesale price was $3.27 (3.3 euros), a decrease from the peak of $8.15 per dozen (7.56 euros) reached on February 21. However, increased demand typically seen during the Easter and Passover holidays could perhaps drive prices up again next month.
The USDA contacted European egg producer associations in February, including those in Germany, Denmark, Italy, poland, and Sweden, to explore potential supply options. Austria, Norway, and Spain were also contacted.
The USDA has reported securing new egg commitments from Turkey and South Korea in recent months, though specific details regarding quantities and types were not disclosed.
The right answer is that we have to help where we can. It is indeed not a question of supporting them or anything else, but it is simply the demand of people at Easter, for eggs, and it is just as significant to meet this request in America as here.
Hans-Peter Goldnick, president of the German egg association
However, logistical challenges and domestic demand within Europe, also heightened by the approaching Easter holiday, could complicate efforts to supply the U.S. market.
Italy, for example, produces only enough eggs to meet its own national demand, limiting its ability to export. The Italian poultry industry has also been affected by avian influenza outbreaks since the beginning of last year.
Germany’s domestic poultry industry produces approximately 73% of the eggs consumed within the country, importing the remainder from the Netherlands, making a significant contribution challenging.
The Danish egg association has expressed willingness to assist the United States, but its current production capacity does not allow for significant fresh egg exports, with available products primarily in powder, frozen, or dried forms.
The USDA notes that processed eggs are generally pasteurized to prevent foodborne illness and are used in food manufacturing, restaurants, hospitals, and retirement homes.
Stringent U.S.food safety regulations,aimed at preventing salmonella,require fresh eggs to be disinfected and refrigerated before reaching consumers.
In contrast, European Union standards typically require Category A eggs to be sold unwashed and without prolonged refrigeration. In some regions of Europe, consumers may commonly encounter eggs with feathers and hens’ feces still present.
Eggs are not cleaned in most 27 EU member countries, as it is feared that the removal of the natural protective layer of eggshells will no longer make them vulnerable to bacteria.
Katarzyna Gawrońska, director of the national chamber of poultry producers and animal food in Poland
Gawrońska added that Poland, a major egg exporter, is prepared to meet American demand, but the compatibility of Polish eggs with U.S. health requirements remains a key consideration.
While EU regulations stipulate that table eggs should not be washed or cleaned,
member countries with established egg washing practices have some flexibility.
Jørgen Nyberg Larsen, Director General of the Danish Egg association, noted that national customs play a role in these decisions.
In Sweden, as a notable example, washed eggs are standard. However, Sweden has informed the United States that it does not have eggs available for export.
US Looks Abroad Amid Egg shortage Due to Avian Flu
US Egg Shortage: What’s Happening?
The United States is currently experiencing an egg shortage, prompting the country to seek solutions in international markets.
This shortage is primarily caused by an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu.
How Bad is the Egg Shortage?
Domestic production of table eggs fell by approximately 10% last month, which translates to a decrease of 720 million eggs compared to February 2024.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reduced its egg exports to prioritize supplying the internal market.
What are Egg Prices Doing?
Wholesale prices for large eggs have fluctuated. On March 21, the national wholesale price was $3.27, a decrease from the peak of $8.15 per dozen reached on February 21.
Increased demand during the Easter and Passover holidays could potentially drive prices up again.
Where is the US Looking for Eggs?
The USDA has contacted European egg producer associations to explore potential supply options. Countries contacted include Germany,Denmark,Italy,Poland,Sweden,Austria,norway,and Spain.
New egg commitments have been secured from Turkey and South Korea, though specific details are not disclosed.
What Challenges Does Europe Face in Supplying Eggs?
- Logistical Challenges: Shipping eggs internationally can be complex.
- Domestic Demand: The approaching Easter holiday increases demand within Europe.
- Production Capacity:
- Italy’s production meets only its own needs.
- Germany imports eggs to cover demand, and its contribution can be challenging.
- Denmark’s main exports are powered, frozen, or dried eggs.
How Do US and European Egg Standards Differ?
A key consideration is the difference in food safety standards between the US and the European Union.
United States: Stringent regulations require fresh eggs to be disinfected and refrigerated before reaching consumers to prevent salmonella.
European Union: Typically, Category A eggs are sold unwashed and without prolonged refrigeration. In some areas, eggs may have feathers and feces still present.
“Eggs are not cleaned in most 27 EU member countries, as it is indeed feared that the removal of the natural protective layer of eggshells will no longer make them vulnerable to bacteria,” says Katarzyna Gawrońska, director of the national chamber of poultry producers and animal food in Poland.
Egg Washing and Exporting
While the EU generally prohibits washing table eggs, some member countries with established washing practices have more flexibility.
In Sweden, washed eggs are standard. However, Sweden has informed the United States that it does not have eggs available for export.
U.S.vs. European egg Standards: A Comparison
| Feature | United States | European Union |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Required (disinfection and refrigeration) | Generally prohibited (Category A eggs) |
| Refrigeration | Required | not required (Category A eggs) |
| Prevention | Salmonella | Preservation of the protective layer on the eggshell |