Why U.S. Breakfast Depends on Brazil’s Eggs

The United States has nearly doubled its imports of Brazilian eggs — once used primarily for pet food — as a severe bird flu outbreak drives up prices and depletes domestic supply.

Since early 2022, avian influenza has wiped out nearly 170 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds across the country, contributing to a 53.6% spike in wholesale egg prices in February.

In response, the Trump administration is considering loosening regulations to allow eggs from meat-raised chickens into the consumer market.

Brazil, now a key supplier, has also seen domestic impacts. Egg prices rose by 15.39% in February alone, according to the country’s IPCA index, due to rising exports, school reopenings, and production losses from high temperatures.