Border statistics reveal eggs are being intercepted more frequently than fentanyl at US borders, coinciding with nationwide poultry shortages due to bird flu outbreak.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data indicates 5,572 egg product seizures in the current fiscal year, compared to 15,955 interceptions in fiscal year 2024 and 16,541 in fiscal year 2023. For comparison, fentanyl seizures in fiscal year 2025 totalled 413, amounting to 6,184 pounds, whilst fiscal year 2024 saw 1,116 seizures totalling 21,889 pounds, as reported by USA Today.
The San Diego CBP office reported a 158 per cent rise in egg interceptions since fiscal year 2024. They cautioned travellers about potential fines for bringing prohibited items, including raw eggs from Mexico, due to disease risks. “It is critical that we keep our traveling public informed to safeguard our agricultural industry while continuing to facilitate legitimate trade and travel,” Sidney Aki, CBP director of field operations in San Diego, said in a news release.
Agricultural officials continue addressing a severe avian influenza outbreak (other name for bird flu) that has decimated domestic bird populations and affected egg and poultry prices.
Travellers must declare agricultural items to CBP officers and specialists or risk fines up to $10,000. The importation of fresh eggs, raw chicken and live birds from Mexico is prohibited. All fruits, vegetables, plants, cut flowers, meat products and live animals require declaration.
Egg prices continue rising despite inflation easing. February’s average US city price for a dozen large grade A eggs reached $5.90, up from January’s $4.95 and December’s $4.14.
The scarcity has led the US to seek egg imports from Denmark and other European nations, according to the Danish egg association via Reuters. Despite President Trump’s pledge to reduce prices, February saw a 59% year-on-year increase.