Despite Greenland Conflict, US Turns to Denmark for Help: "Please Sell Eggs"

Request for Egg Exports to Denmark Amid Soaring Prices
Egg Smuggling from Mexico and Canada Also Surges

The United States, experiencing the worst-ever 'eggflation (egg+inflation·soaring egg prices),' has reportedly requested 'egg exports' from Denmark, with which it has had conflicts over the Greenland issue.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 15th (local time), the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent official letters at the end of last month to major European egg-producing countries, including Denmark, inquiring about the possibility and willingness to export eggs to the United States. Then, earlier this month, in a letter sent to the Danish Layer Association, it stated that it was still awaiting additional instructions from the U.S. government but requested, "Please estimate the quantity of eggs that can be supplied to the United States, assuming import conditions are met."

Previously, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed his intention to incorporate Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, into U.S. territory, citing 'security needs,' which drew strong criticism. He also warned of a tariff war, claiming that "the EU was formed to take advantage of the United States" due to the large U.S. trade deficit with the European Union (EU).

The reason the U.S. has had to make such a 'plea' to Denmark and Europe amid conflicts is that the rise in egg prices in the U.S. is extremely severe. Jakob Jensen, Denmark's Minister of Agriculture, pointed out, "This request is a good example of how much the U.S. still depends on trade with Europe."

In the U.S., over 40 million laying hens were culled last year due to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). As a result, egg prices have skyrocketed. According to the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February, egg prices were about 59% higher than a year earlier. Although the upward trend has somewhat eased recently, it is expected to take time for prices to return to previous levels.

A supermarket in Colorado, USA, announcing egg sales restrictions on the 13th (local time). Photo by AP Yonhap News.

The WSJ also reported that recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents inspecting a suspicious pickup truck in El Paso, Texas, near the Mexican border, were surprised to find a large quantity of 'eggs' hidden along with about 29 kg of methamphetamine (philopon). The WSJ noted that as egg prices soar in the U.S., cases of smuggling eggs from Mexico and Canada are increasing. While importing eggs is not illegal, it is mandatory to declare them to customs in such cases. Without quarantine, diseases could be introduced.

The CBP stated that the number of 'egg smuggling' cases detected this year increased by 36% compared to the same period last year. In particular, cases of egg smuggling from Mexico rose by 54%. An El Paso CBP spokesperson explained, "The cause of such smuggling is the price difference," adding, "Egg prices in Mexico are about one-third of those in the U.S." According to U.S. government data, the average price of a dozen eggs in the U.S. last month was $5.90 (about 8,500 KRW), double that of the same period last year. In some areas, the price of a dozen eggs exceeds $10 (about 14,500 KRW). In contrast, egg prices in Mexico are below $2 (about 2,900 KRW) per dozen.