U.S. taps Denmark for eggs amid flu‑induced shortage
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has contacted Danish producers to supply eggs to replenish shortages affecting American stores. The shortage is due to the bird flu, which has significantly reduced the U.S. chicken population.
What do you need to know?
- Why does the USA need eggs from Denmark? The American market is experiencing a severe egg shortage due to bird flu, which has led to the loss of approximately 50.5 million chickens.
- What are the challenges in the egg trade? Exporting eggs to the USA is complicated by strict sanitary requirements, but discussions are ongoing to address these issues.
- What are the broader implications? Cooperation on the egg shortage could influence diplomatic relations between the USA and the EU, which are strained.
What are the causes of the egg shortage in the USA?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has requested that Danish chicken producers provide eggs to address shortages in American stores. This shortage results from the bird flu, significantly reducing the U.S. chicken population. Joergen Nynerg Larsen from Danske Æg emphasized that the USA has lost about 50.5 million chickens out of its 310 million.
Is exporting Danish eggs to the USA possible?
According to Nynerg Larsen, previous American sanitary requirements have made exporting Danish eggs to the USA difficult. However, ongoing discussions may bring about changes. The international egg trade is complex due to the risk of salmonella infection, which makes exporting liquid or dried egg products easier.
What are the broader implications of this situation?
Jacob Jensen, the Danish Minister of Agriculture, noted that the U.S. interest in Danish eggs highlights the importance of cooperation between Denmark, the EU, and the USA. These relations are tense due to a diplomatic conflict following U.S. President Donald Trump's statements about Greenland and tariffs on European steel and aluminum.
What are the reactions to egg price increases in the USA?
According to "Berlingske," citing ABC News, Americans are increasingly renting laying hens, which has become profitable due to high egg prices. The rising cost of essential food products was a topic during the U.S. presidential campaign, where Donald Trump promised to lower prices upon taking office.
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