Border Patrol Sees Uptick in Egg Smuggling on Southern Border Amid Skyrocketing Prices
Increased Attempts to Smuggle Shell Eggs Across the Border
There was a 29% increase in shell eggs being confiscated at ports of entry between October 2024 and February compared with the same time period last year, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Los Angeles Times reported.
A bird flu outbreak in the U.S. has led to the culling of millions of chickens, disrupting egg production and pushing prices higher, according to media reports.
Why the Increase in Egg Smuggling?
“It’s common practice to get some groceries or medication and cross the border,” Joaquin Luken, executive director of the Smart Border Coalition, told NBC San Diego, and he said people may not realize raw eggs are on the prohibited list.
CBP Warning
On Monday, CBP Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki said his office has seen an increase in the number of eggs being intercepted at ports of entry.
“As a reminder, uncooked eggs are prohibited entry from Mexico into the U.S. Failure to declare agriculture items can result in penalties of up to $10,000,” he wrote on X.
EGG PRICES AREN’T COMING DOWN ANYTIME SOON, EXPERTS SAY
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection headquarters is pictured in Washington, D.C. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Turkey to Fill the Void
Amid an egg shortage, Turkey has promised to step in and fill the void.
Ibrahim Afyon, chairman of the Egg Producers Central Union in Turkey, on Wednesday told Reuters that a total of “15,000 tonnes (33 million pounds) of eggs — equivalent to 700 containers — will be shipped” to the U.S.
The shipment is part of a preliminary agreement between Turkey and the U.S. that will continue through July 2025.
Cage-free eggs are seen at a Costco store in Florida. (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“The export will take place through our member companies with the required authorizations, while two firms will coordinate the process,” Afyon said.
Conclusion
The recent uptick in egg smuggling on the southern border is a result of the skyrocketing prices of eggs due to the bird flu outbreak in the U.S. The increase in egg smuggling is a concern for authorities, as it can lead to the introduction of diseases and pests into the country. However, Turkey has promised to step in and fill the void, with plans to ship 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the U.S. over the next year and a half.
FAQs
* What is the reason for the increase in egg smuggling on the southern border?
The increase in egg smuggling is due to the skyrocketing prices of eggs due to the bird flu outbreak in the U.S.
* How many eggs will Turkey be shipping to the U.S.?
Turkey plans to ship 15,000 tonnes (33 million pounds) of eggs to the U.S. over the next year and a half.
* What is the penalty for failing to declare agriculture items at the border?
The penalty for failing to declare agriculture items at the border is up to $10,000.
