Türkiye has seized the opportunity created by the US egg shortage due to avian influenza, resuming egg exports after a two-year hiatus. The shipments, expected to continue through July, will generate significant export revenue, while Turkish domestic prices remain stable.
Following a two-year break, Türkiye has started exporting eggs to the US, seizing an opportunity created by the ongoing avian influenza outbreak. The initial shipments, which began this month, are expected to continue until July.
Ibrahim Afyon
Ibrahim Afyon, chairman of the Egg Producers Central Union in Turkey (Yumurta Üreticileri Merkez Birliği - YUM-BİR), stated that Türkiye will send a total of 15,000 tons of eggs (equivalent to 700 containers) through authorized member companies. "The export will take place through our member companies with the required authorizations, while two firms will coordinate the process," Afyon told Reuters. The deal is expected to generate approximately $26 million in export revenue. If the process continues smoothly until the end of the year, the total foreign exchange revenue could reach $50 million.
US MARKET UNDER PRESSURE
The US egg industry has been struggling with supply shortages due to avian influenza, which has led to the culling of over 162 million poultry in the past two years. Since December alone, more than 13 million chickens have been culled. As a result, egg prices in the US have surged by 51% over the past year. The USDA forecasts an additional 20% increase in 2025.
The crisis has forced US retailers to ration eggs, while restaurants have either raised menu prices or imposed surcharges. United Egg Producers CEO Chad Gregory commented on the situation, stating, "We support the temporary import of egg products to help ease the strain on the U.S. egg supply."
TÜRKİYE’S SUPPLY CAPACITY REMAINS STRONG
Despite the large-scale exports, Afyon assured that the shipments to the US will not disrupt Türkiye’s domestic market. He noted that Türkiye produces approximately 95 million eggs daily, amounting to an annual production of 35 billion eggs, with a self-sufficiency rate of 120%.
Afyon also emphasized that Turkish producers have decided to stabilize egg prices during Ramadan, ruling out any price hikes in the domestic market. Additionally, he pointed out that exports to Gulf countries have declined in recent months, reducing the impact of increased shipments to the US.