As egg prices skyrocket in the United States due to a severe bird flu outbreak, the US government has reached out to European nations, including Finland and Denmark, seeking egg exports to stabilize supply. However, Finland has declined the request, citing lack of market access negotiations and logistical challenges.
Egg Prices Hit Record Highs in the US
The US has been grappling with persistent outbreaks of avian influenza, leading to mass culls of poultry, which has significantly reduced egg production. In early March, wholesale egg prices surged to over $8 per dozen, according to Trading Economics. While prices have slightly eased to around $6 per dozen, they remain significantly higher than usual.
The crisis has sparked political scrutiny, with former President Donald Trump previously vowing to lower egg prices on his first day in office. However, recent data from Reuters indicates that egg prices increased by 59% year-over-year in February—the first full month of Trump’s administration.
Finland Rejects US Request for Egg Exports
In response to the US request, the Finnish Poultry Association confirmed that it had been contacted regarding potential egg exports. However, Veera Lehtilä, the association’s director, stated that Finland lacks the necessary approvals to export eggs to the US, and no formal negotiations have taken place between the two countries.
“Launching exports is not a simple matter since there are no agreed rules in place,” Lehtilä told Yle News. She further emphasized that even if Finland were to export eggs, it would not significantly impact the US shortage.
“The US has had to cull millions of birds due to bird flu, whereas Finland only has four million laying hens in total. The amount we could export would not solve their egg shortage,” she added.
Reddit Users Mock US Plea for Eggs
The news of Finland rejecting the US request sparked online debate, with critics of Trump’s policies taking to Reddit to express their views.
- “Imagine insulting everyone, throwing tariffs, threats of invasion, and then expecting help on petty domestic issues,” wrote one user.
- “Trump is playing tariff wars and at the same time begging for eggs. Maybe chill with the tariff wars, and we can talk about eggs?” another added.
- One of the most popular comments read, “Trumpist diplomacy at play – begging for eggs, getting the ‘bird.’”
While Denmark’s response remains unclear, the rejection from Finland underscores the complications of global trade and diplomacy, especially when unexpected crises arise.
