Smuggling eggs into the U.S.? It might sound like a joke, but it's quickly becoming one of the most surprising consequences of skyrocketing grocery prices. With egg costs soaring due to inflation and avian flu outbreaks, border patrol agents are seeing an unexpected surge in attempts to sneak eggs across from Mexico and Canada.
From crates of contraband eggs being seized at checkpoints to fines being issued for unauthorized poultry products, eggs have suddenly become one of the hottest black-market items according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. In fact, since October, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recorded more than 3,700 seizures of bird and poultry-related products—a staggering number when compared to just 352 fentanyl seizures in the same period.
Egg prices in the U.S. have reached record highs, with some cities seeing costs soar to $10 per dozen. Meanwhile, in Mexico, the same eggs can be found for under $2 per dozen, making cross-border shopping a tempting alternative. But here’s the catch—importing raw eggs into the U.S. is illegal due to concerns over avian flu and other health risks.
Despite this, border patrol agents have reported a 36% increase in attempted egg smuggling, with some regions like San Diego seeing a 158% jump in cases. Many offenders claim they had no idea it was against the law, while others have gone to great lengths to conceal their poultry haul. Some have been caught stuffing eggs under blankets, hiding them in spare tires, or even mixing them in with other groceries in a desperate attempt to evade detection.
Even more astonishingly, major businesses are taking notice. The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into whether large egg producers have artificially inflated prices by restricting supply. Some believe the poultry industry is exploiting the crisis for financial gain, making eggs even more valuable to smugglers and black-market sellers.
CBP officials have also ramped up border inspections, with agents questioning travelers more aggressively and incinerating confiscated eggs to prevent them from entering the market.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering lifting import restrictions on eggs inspected through official channels to help ease shortages. Some experts say this could be the only way to fight back against the rising black market.
For now, Americans are left scrambling—do they pay premium prices for legal eggs, or risk fines (and embarrassment) by sneaking them in? Whatever the case, one thing is clear: in 2025, the most unexpected contraband item isn’t drugs, gold, or electronics—it’s eggs.
From crates of contraband eggs being seized at checkpoints to fines being issued for unauthorized poultry products, eggs have suddenly become one of the hottest black-market items according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. In fact, since October, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recorded more than 3,700 seizures of bird and poultry-related products—a staggering number when compared to just 352 fentanyl seizures in the same period.
Why Are People Smuggling Eggs?
The answer is simple: price and availability.Egg prices in the U.S. have reached record highs, with some cities seeing costs soar to $10 per dozen. Meanwhile, in Mexico, the same eggs can be found for under $2 per dozen, making cross-border shopping a tempting alternative. But here’s the catch—importing raw eggs into the U.S. is illegal due to concerns over avian flu and other health risks.
Despite this, border patrol agents have reported a 36% increase in attempted egg smuggling, with some regions like San Diego seeing a 158% jump in cases. Many offenders claim they had no idea it was against the law, while others have gone to great lengths to conceal their poultry haul. Some have been caught stuffing eggs under blankets, hiding them in spare tires, or even mixing them in with other groceries in a desperate attempt to evade detection.
Egg prices in the U.S. have reached record highs, with some cities seeing costs soar to $10 per dozen. Meanwhile, in Mexico, the same eggs can be found for under $2 per doze
The ‘Egg Cartel’ and the Black Market Boom
The sheer demand for cheaper eggs has led to a flourishing underground market, where people are buying and selling smuggled eggs like a rare commodity. Social media posts and local WhatsApp groups have popped up, advertising eggs “at a discount,” often sourced from across the border.Even more astonishingly, major businesses are taking notice. The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into whether large egg producers have artificially inflated prices by restricting supply. Some believe the poultry industry is exploiting the crisis for financial gain, making eggs even more valuable to smugglers and black-market sellers.
Crackdown at the Border—Is This the End of Egg Trafficking?
Authorities are scrambling to contain the illegal egg trade. First-time offenders caught smuggling eggs face a $300 fine, equivalent to roughly 50 dozen U.S. eggs (or 150 dozen in Mexico). For repeat offenders, the penalties only get steeper.CBP officials have also ramped up border inspections, with agents questioning travelers more aggressively and incinerating confiscated eggs to prevent them from entering the market.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering lifting import restrictions on eggs inspected through official channels to help ease shortages. Some experts say this could be the only way to fight back against the rising black market.
The Scrambled Reality—Is There an End in Sight?
With eggflation showing no signs of slowing down and border patrol struggling to keep up with the surge in illegal poultry trafficking, eggs have become one of the most unexpected victims of the ongoing economic crisis.For now, Americans are left scrambling—do they pay premium prices for legal eggs, or risk fines (and embarrassment) by sneaking them in? Whatever the case, one thing is clear: in 2025, the most unexpected contraband item isn’t drugs, gold, or electronics—it’s eggs.
