Washington is reportedly seeking external sources of supply amid soaring prices in the domestic market

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reached out to producers in several EU nations to secure additional egg imports amid skyrocketing domestic prices, Reuters reported Friday, citing the Danish egg association.

The request comes despite recent trade tensions between Washington and Brussels over import tariffs imposed by the US administration on various EU goods.

A USDA representative in Europe reportedly sent formal inquiries in late February to several egg-producing countries, including Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

US wholesale egg prices recently hit an all-time high of $8.41 per dozen, marking a surge of over 200% from the previous year, according to Bloomberg. The price hike is attributed to an accelerating outbreak of bird flu among laying hens, significantly reducing egg supplies.

"We're still waiting for more guidance from Washington on next steps, but do you have an estimate of the number of eggs that could be supplied to the US (assuming they meet all import requirements)," a follow-up letter to the Danish egg association reviewed by Reuters said, indicating that the White House was trying to estimate feasible import quantities.

A spokesperson for the association told Reuters that they would look into the situation, but emphasized that there was no surplus of eggs in Europe.

"There is a shortage of eggs everywhere on a global scale, because consumption is increasing, and many are affected by bird flu," he specified, adding that egg exports to the US could be challenging due to hygiene regulations and other factors.

Danish industry representative Jorgen Nyberg Larsen confirmed in an interview with AgriWatch that Washington had inquired about how much could potentially be supplied, adding that "they have also contacted my colleagues in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland."

Last week, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that the US Justice Department had launched a preliminary investigation into the surge in egg prices across the country. The probe reportedly focuses on whether local suppliers such as Cal-Maine Foods and Rose Acre Farms had colluded to hike prices or limit supply.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump's 25% tariff hike on steel and aluminum imports from the EU took effect, following the expiration of previous exemptions and duty-free quotas. The European Commission responded by announcing counter-tariffs on €26 billion (over $28 billion) worth of US goods, set to begin in April.

(RT.com)