Turkish authorities are addressing rising egg prices due to increased international demand, particularly from the U.S. They have introduced a $0.50 per kilogram export levy to stabilize local prices amid a recent avian flu outbreak that affected U.S. supply. Türkiye plans to export 15,000 tons of eggs to the U.S. by June, with sufficient domestic production to meet local needs. Industry leaders assure consumers that there is no current supply shortage.
In light of the increasing demand for eggs from international markets, particularly the United States, Turkish officials have enacted measures to stabilize local prices. A recent avian flu outbreak in the U.S. has led to supply chain disruptions and higher egg prices, resulting in an increased dependency on imports. To mitigate potential price increases in Türkiye, the government has instituted a $0.50 per kilogram levy on table egg exports, as published in the Official Gazette.
Türkiye aims to fulfill the heightened demand by exporting 15,000 tons of eggs to the U.S. by June. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the country produced over 100 billion eggs from 2020 to 2024. Production figures indicate variability, with 19.8 billion eggs produced in 2020 and 2022, followed by 19.3 billion in 2021, 20.6 billion in 2023, and a record 21.2 billion in 2024.
While trade in non-incubation chicken eggs has demonstrated fluctuations, total exports have surpassed $1 billion over the last five years, with the United Arab Emirates being the largest importer of Turkish eggs. Ibrahim Afyon, head of the Egg Producers Central Union (YUM-BİR), highlighted that the newly implemented export levy is designed to prevent unnecessary price increases in the domestic market.
“With rising demand from the U.S. and Europe, we implemented this measure to stabilize local prices. There is no supply shortage — our production is increasing. Egg prices are often dictated by market perception rather than actual supply constraints,” remarked Afyon. Addressing concerns regarding potential price increases during Ramadan, he assured consumers of a robust domestic supply, noting a self-sufficiency rate of nearly 120 percent that could increase to 135 percent when necessary.
The Turkish government has proactively implemented measures to prevent price hikes in the domestic egg market amid rising international demand, particularly influenced by recent events in the U.S. The export levy aims to stabilize local prices without compromising supply, as local production continues to rise. Industry leaders emphasize confidence in maintaining sufficient domestic production to meet consumer needs, especially in the context of anticipated holiday demand.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
