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Why Border Officials Are Seizing More Eggs Than Ever
In a world where we’ve seen everything from toilet paper hoarding to a black market for baby formula, it’s no surprise that eggs are now at the center of an international smuggling trend. But this isn’t just about breakfast.
A nationwide egg shortage, fueled by a devastating avian flu outbreak, has driven prices to record highs, forcing some desperate consumers to go to extreme lengths—like sneaking cartons across the U.S.-Mexico border. And U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is cracking down.
Egg Prices Have People Smuggling Like It’s Prohibition
At a grocery store in the U.S., a carton of eggs now costs more than a gallon of gas. Meanwhile, just across the border in Mexico, the same dozen eggs are selling for a fraction of the price. With such a stark price difference, it’s no surprise that some shoppers, convinced they’ve found a loophole, attempt to bring cartons back home—despite the risks.
But what they don’t realize is that smuggling eggs isn’t just frowned upon—it’s illegal. Border officials have reported a 29% spike in egg seizures in just a few months, particularly at southern entry points like El Paso and San Diego. In January alone, over 90 people attempted to bring eggs across the border in El Paso. Some got away with a warning, while others paid hefty fines.
The Cost of a “Black Market” Omelet? Up to $10,000
CBP isn’t playing around. If you get caught failing to declare agricultural products like eggs, you could face fines of up to $10,000—though most first-time offenders pay around $1,000. That’s a pretty steep price for a few scrambled eggs.
Why is the U.S. so strict about egg imports? It all comes down to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Virulent Newcastle Disease (ND)—two devastating illnesses that can wipe out entire poultry farms. Since 2022, over 156 million birds have been lost due to the outbreak, and just in the first two months of this year, another 43 million were impacted. With such a fragile supply chain, the government isn’t taking any chances.
Not All Egg Imports Are Illegal—But These Are
In response to the crisis, the U.S. has made a deal to legally import 16,000 tons of eggs from Turkey to stabilize the market. But unlike the egg-laden travelers getting stopped at the border, these shipments are government-approved and follow strict safety regulations.
So, while it might be tempting to sneak a carton across the border to avoid inflated grocery store prices, it’s not worth the risk. Instead of risking hefty fines at the border, consider alternative solutions—like egg substitutes, plant-based options, or even renting your own chickens until prices stabilize.
Until then, CBP will continue cracking down—because in 2025, even your breakfast has become a high-stakes game.