The spike in egg prices has led to an increase in attempts to smuggle eggs across the southern border, as reported by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Between October 2024 and February, there was a 29% rise in the confiscation of shell eggs at ports of entry compared to the previous year. Joaquin Luken from the Smart Border Coalition mentioned that crossing the border with groceries or medication is common practice, with people possibly unaware that raw eggs are on the prohibited list.

CBP Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki noted the surge in the interception of eggs at ports of entry and reiterated that uncooked eggs are prohibited from Mexico to the U.S. Failure to declare agriculture items can lead to penalties of up to $10,000. The increasing cost of eggs is attributed to the Avian Influenza outbreak, commonly known as bird flu, which has impacted egg production. In response to the egg shortage, Turkey has agreed to export eggs to the U.S. to address the shortfall.

Ibrahim Afyon, the chairman of the Egg Producers Central Union in Turkey, announced plans to ship 15,000 tonnes of eggs, equivalent to 700 containers or 33 million pounds, to the United States. This initiative is part of a preliminary agreement between Turkey and the U.S., which is set to continue until July 2025. Afyon mentioned that the export would be carried out through member companies with the necessary authorizations, with the coordination of two firms to facilitate the process.

The egg shortage and rising costs have led to an increase in smuggling attempts as people seek to circumvent the restrictions on importing eggs from Mexico into the United States. While normally, the act of crossing the border with groceries or medication is common, many individuals may not be aware of the prohibition on uncooked eggs. With the threat of penalties of up to $10,000 for failing to declare agricultural items, CBP has heightened efforts to intercept such illegal shipments at ports of entry.

The Avian Influenza outbreak, which has impacted egg production, is a key factor contributing to the shortage and price increase in the egg market. To address the shortage, Turkey has stepped in to export a significant quantity of eggs to the U.S., helping to alleviate the supply gap. This effort is part of an agreement between the two countries that aims to continue the egg exports until July 2025. The Chairman of the Egg Producers Central Union in Turkey highlighted that the export process would be carried out by member companies with the necessary approvals and would involve the coordination of two firms to ensure a smooth operation.

In conclusion, the surge in egg prices has led to increased smuggling attempts as individuals seek to bring eggs from Mexico into the U.S., despite the prohibition on uncooked eggs. The Avian Influenza outbreak has exacerbated the egg shortage, prompting Turkey to export a substantial quantity of eggs to the United States under an agreement that runs until July 2025. Efforts by CBP to intercept illegal egg shipments at ports of entry are being intensified to enforce regulations and prevent the entry of prohibited agricultural items.

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