Americans Flock to Mexico for Affordable Eggs Amid US Shortage
As the year 2025 began, a months-long "egg shortage" swept across the United States, causing egg prices to skyrocket and becoming a daily struggle for many Americans. In an effort to obtain eggs, some Americans have even driven to Mexico to purchase them. A visit to Tijuana, a city on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border, revealed a fascinating phenomenon - many cars in the parking lot of the local farmer's market had California license plates. In fact, more than half of the cars in the parking lot were from the United States.
19 April 2025
The reason for this influx of American shoppers may be attributed to the significant price difference in eggs between the two countries. A box of 30 eggs costs only 106 pesos, approximately $5 USD, in Mexico, whereas in some stores in California, such as Walmart, a box of 18 eggs can cost between $9 and $10. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that the retail price of eggs in the US reached a new high in March, with a dozen eggs costing $6.23, equivalent to approximately 3.8 yuan per egg.
Many American shoppers have expressed frustration with the rising prices of everyday items, including food, housing, and other necessities. "In the past, I could buy a week's worth of food with $50 or $60, but now that amount can only last me three days," said one American shopper. Another shopper, Karolin, noted that "many people have to cut back on their expenses just to afford the basic necessities. That's just the way life is now."
The surge in egg prices is not an isolated incident, as food prices in the US have been rising consistently since 2020, with a significant increase of 9.9% in 2022, the highest in nearly 40 years. Although the price increase slowed down in 2023 and 2024, with rises of 5.8% and 2.3%, respectively, the overall prices remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. This trend has been exacerbated by the trade policies implemented by the US government, including the "tariff war" initiated by President Trump, which has led to increased costs for businesses and higher prices for consumers.
The shortage of eggs in the United States that has led Americans to seek alternatives in Mexico can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, outbreaks of avian flu have significantly impacted egg-laying hen populations, reducing overall egg production. Additionally, changes in consumer demand, possibly driven by dietary trends or increased awareness of the health benefits of eggs, have led to a higher demand for eggs than the current supply can meet. Supply chain disruptions, whether due to logistical challenges or regulatory hurdles, have also played a role in limiting the availability of eggs. Lastly, increases in the costs of egg production, such as higher feed or labor costs, have pressured farmers to reconsider their production levels, further contributing to the shortage. These factors combined have created a perfect storm that has resulted in the current egg shortage in the U.S., prompting some consumers to look beyond national borders for their egg supplies.
The phenomenon of American citizens flocking to Mexico to purchase eggs due to skyrocketing prices in the US brings to the forefront several issues, including the impact on Sino-US economic and trade relations. While the immediate context revolves around the US-Mexico border and trade dynamics between these two countries, the broader implications of trade policies, global commodity prices, and consumer behaviors cannot be overlooked. The ongoing trade tensions and the imposition of tariffs by the US on various countries, including China, have led to a complex landscape of global trade. The American decision to engage in a trade war has the potential to harm its main trading partners, such as Canada and Mexico. However, the ultimate losers in this scenario are likely to be the American consumers themselves, who face higher prices for essential goods due to increased costs for businesses.
The situation with chicken eggs, where prices have reached record highs in the US, partly due to avian flu and partly due to supply chain disruptions exacerbated by trade policies, serves as a microcosm of the larger trade and economic dynamics. The fact that American shoppers are now seeking alternatives in neighboring countries underscores the limitations and unintended consequences of protectionist trade policies. The rise in food prices in the US, including but not limited to chicken eggs, reflects a larger trend of increasing costs of living faced by American consumers. This trend is influenced by a combination of factors, including global supply chain disruptions, the impacts of the trade war, and economic policies. The consequences of these trends are far-reaching, affecting not only the domestic economy but also the broader geopolitical and trade relationships between the US and its partners, including China.
As the global economy continues to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, trade tensions, and supply chain disruptions, the story of American shoppers seeking cheaper eggs in Mexico serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnected nature of global trade and the sometimes unintended consequences of economic and trade policies. The impact on Sino-US economic and trade relations, while indirect, underscores the need for a nuanced approach to trade that considers the complexities of global markets and the potential for reciprocal effects of policy decisions.
