Rising Egg Prices in the US... Surge in Attempts to Smuggle Eggs Illegally

Egg Prices in Mexico Half of US Levels
Up to $10,000 Fine if Caught

Attempts to smuggle relatively cheap eggs through neighboring country borders are surging in the United States, where egg prices have soared due to the avian influenza (AI) outbreak.

According to foreign media reports such as the New York Post and BBC on the 19th (local time), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that eggs and poultry seized at border checkpoints on December 31 last year increased by 108% compared to two months earlier. Some Americans were caught smuggling eggs purchased from neighboring countries such as Canada and Mexico.

The recent surge in egg prices is the cause. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) announced by the U.S. government, the price of eggs (12 pieces) rose from $1.93 (about 2,385 won) in January last year to $4.25 (about 5,253 won) in December of the same year, more than doubling.

On the 19th (local time), a customer is seen selecting eggs at a grocery store in Washington DC, USA. / Photo by AFP Yonhap News

In contrast, egg prices in neighboring countries are still relatively cheap. For example, in San Ysidro, California, eggs can be purchased for $8 (about 9,900 won), but in Tijuana, Mexico, they are sold at less than half the price, around $3 (about 3,700 won).

However, attempts to smuggle food ingredients such as eggs and meat are strictly prohibited by customs due to concerns about disease infection. If caught attempting to smuggle eggs into the U.S., fines of up to $10,000 (about 12.36 million won) are imposed for commercial purposes, and about $300 (about 370,000 won) for personal smuggling. However, fines can be waived if declared to customs.

Regarding this, Charles Payne, a CBP agricultural specialist supervisor, emphasized, "Once you declare it (to customs), we collect and dispose of the smuggled eggs, and you do not have to pay a fine. But if you smuggle without declaring, you have to pay a fine. The best policy is not to smuggle eggs."