U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is cracking down on a rising trend in egg smuggling.

Why It Matters

More people are attempting to smuggle raw eggs into the United States, posing health risks.

As egg prices remain high across the county, CBP is seeing a surge in illegal attempts to bring raw eggs across the border. From October 2024 to February 2025, CBP recorded a 29 percent increase in egg detentions at U.S. ports of entry compared to the same time last year.

What To Know

According to a CBP statement, since January, CBP officers in the El Paso region have stopped over 90 individuals trying to bring raw eggs into the U.S. from Mexico.

CBP agriculture specialists in the area have issued 16 civil penalties, totaling nearly $4,000, for attempts to smuggle prohibited food and agricultural items, including raw eggs.

Raw egg imports from Mexico are strictly prohibited.

In a press release, CBP stated that bringing raw or fresh eggs into the U.S. is largely prohibited due to the risk of spreading diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Virulent Newcastle Disease (ND). CBP enforcement tries to mitigate the spread of avian diseases, protect the food supply, and ensure compliance with regulations.

Cartons of eggs for sale in a Kroger grocery store on August 15, 2022, in Houston, Texas. Cartons of eggs for sale in a Kroger grocery store on August 15, 2022, in Houston, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty

Egg prices in the U.S. have soared due to supply chain disruptions, a persistent bird flu outbreak and new regulations. Shoppers are facing empty grocery store shelves while restaurants struggle to manage the escalating costs of this staple ingredient.

Egg prices have more than doubled recently, shocking consumers who used to pay around $2 per dozen. In December 2024, the average cost for a dozen large, grade-A eggs reached $4.15, a 14 percent jump from the previous month, according to federal data. Prices are rising as high as $8 per dozen, with grocery stores imposing purchase limits.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects egg prices will climb another 20.3 percent in 2025, adding to household financial strain. While Easter—April 20 this year—typically drives up costs, this year's surge is primarily due to supply chain disruptions.

What People Are Saying

Jack Buffington, an associate professor in supply chain management at the University of Denver, told Newsweek: "Several other issues are also contributing to the shortage, including higher wages and labor/immigration issues. Another key issue is that states are legislating regulations on eggs (e.g., banning caged eggs—mandating 'cage-free eggs'), which is impacting the U.S. production capacity. I think there are like 10-11 states that have enacted this (Colorado just did so this month)."

A CBP spokesperson told Newsweek: Nationally we can report that there has been a 29% increase in eggs being detained at ports of entry this fiscal year (October 2024 to February 2025) when compared to the same time last fiscal year.

"Importation of raw/fresh eggs into United States is generally prohibited due to concerns about diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Virulent Newcastle disease (ND).

"Travelers are prohibited to bring in fresh eggs, raw chicken, unprocessed avian products, and/or live birds into the United States. Travelers are encouraged to declare all agriculture products to CBP officers and Agriculture Specialists, failure to declare may lead to potential fines and penalties."

What Happens Next

The USDA anticipates egg prices dropping by the second quarter of 2025, potentially reaching $2.50 per dozen by midyear. However, this outlook depends on controlling the bird flu outbreak and resolving ongoing supply chain issues.