The US has asked if Americans can export eggs to Denmark and other European countries as they face a surge in egg prices, the Nordic Country Egg Association said Friday.
The USDA’s demands are consistent with the new US tariff raft and its threat on countries, including Europe.
Donald Trump also threatened economic sanctions unless Denmark took over Greenland’s control over the US, and said this week he thought the US would eventually annex it despite its position as Danish autonomous territory, a member of the European Union.
The prices of wholesale eggs in the US are breaking records due to factors including the outbreak of avian flu.
Trump has pledged to lower egg prices on his first day in office, but rose 59% year-on-year in February, the first month of his administration.
A letter reviewed by Reuters showed that a representative from the US Department of Agriculture in Europe sent an official inquiry to egg-producing countries in late February, seeking the ability and willingness to export eggs to the American market.
“We’re waiting to get more guidance from Washington in the next step, but do we have an estimate of the number of eggs we can supply to the US (assuming we meet all import requirements)?”
“Washington is trying to get an estimate of how much they can really source,” said a letter received last week.
The Danish Egg Association said it would look into it, but said there was no egg surplus in Europe.
“Consumption is on the rise, and many are affected by the avian flu, so there is a lack of eggs everywhere on a global scale,” he added.
A spokesperson said the association requested details on the terms of such agreement, highlighting that egg exports to the United States are challenging due to regulations related to hygiene and other factors.
Turkey said it began exporting about 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the US in February.
US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced last month plans to search for imported eggs as part of a $1 billion effort to combat avian flu.
