Trump Wanted Greenland—Now U.S. Wants Denmark’s Eggs Amid Shortage

U.S. Eyes European Egg Imports as Avian Flu Hits Supply

As the U.S. struggles with soaring egg prices caused by the avian flu outbreak, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reached out to European countries, including Denmark, to explore potential egg imports. This request follows a starkly different tone from former President Donald Trump's past threats to annex Greenland and impose heavy tariffs on European goods. Greg Lovett / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

U.S. Seeks Danish Egg Supply

In February, the USDA formally contacted the Danish Egg Association, inquiring about its ability to export eggs to the U.S. amid supply chain disruptions. According to documents reviewed by Reuters, the USDA's letter to the Danish trade group stated: "We're still waiting to get more guidance from Washington on next steps, but do you have an estimate of the number of eggs that could be supplied to the United States (assuming they meet all the import requirements)?" akirEVarga / Pixabay

Contradictory Trade Stances

In his current term, President Trump has renewed efforts to annex Greenland from Denmark, even hinting at military action. His administration has also imposed tariffs on aluminum and steel while proposing a 200% tax on European alcohol imports. President Donald J. Trump / Wikimedia

U.S. Seeks European Egg Imports, But Hygiene Standards Pose a Hurdle

Despite the current U.S. plea for European egg exports, challenges remain. European countries, including Denmark, process eggs differently than in the U.S., leaving them unwashed to retain a natural protective coating. This difference in hygiene standards complicates export logistics, as eggs from Denmark may require adjustments to meet U.S. import regulations. RENATOK / Pixabay

Egg Prices Continue to Climb

Egg prices in the U.S. have surged due to the avian flu, which has resulted in the loss of over 20 million laying hens. The USDA has proposed a $1 billion investment to stabilize egg costs, with the average price of a dozen eggs hitting $5.90 in February—a 10.4% increase from the previous year and a staggering 189% rise from August 2023 lows. Mandi Wright / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Turkey to Export 420 Million Eggs to U.S.

Turkey has already agreed to export 420 million eggs to the U.S. in 2025, but this supply falls far short of domestic demand. The American Egg Board estimates U.S. farms produce 7.5 billion dozen eggs annually, a figure that could continue to drop if the avian flu outbreak worsens. Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay

Denmark's Response

Denmark has indicated some willingness to assist, but supply constraints limit large-scale exports. "We don’t have a large oversupply of eggs," Danish Egg Association CEO Jørgen Nyberg Larsen told Fortune, adding that demand is particularly high leading up to Easter. The organization has prioritized existing long-term customers before allocating any shipments to the U.S.

For now, while Denmark remains a potential supplier, the U.S. must navigate regulatory, logistical, and economic challenges before European eggs can help ease shortages. congerdesign / Pixabay