US Rep. Vicente Gonzalez asks Trump to consider importing Mexican eggs

Vicente Gonzalez

A letter sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture is calling upon President Donald Trump to allow the import of eggs farmed in Mexico.

According to a news release, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Brownsville, sent the letter last Friday to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in hopes that the move would provide economic relief to residents of the United States amidst record-high egg prices.

Gonzalez began the letter by acknowledging the important role eggs play as a cost-effective option for many South Texas families.

“This is especially important in regions like South Texas, where food security and affordability are major concerns,” Gonzalez wrote. “However, as the cost of eggs reach record highs, and other foods like meat, fruits, and vegetables continue to increase, families not just in South Texas but throughout the entire country are feeling the pinch at the checkout line.”

He went on to cite reports about the U.S. considering the import of eggs from other countries in an effort to mitigate the ongoing egg shortage. He encouraged Rollins to consider Mexico as an option to import eggs.

“On February 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a statement saying that egg prices will continue to increase and can increase by up to 41 percent in 2025,” he wrote. “These rising costs would not only devastate consumers but also affect the restaurants and supermarkets in our communities.”

“Furthermore, consumer confidence is decreasing, and the one-year inflation expectation is the highest it has been in one and half years,” the letter continued. “I urge the Administration to take drastic measures to ensure that consumers and businesses alike are protected from these market shocks.”

According to the news release, the USDA estimates that the average price for a dozen eggs will increase by 41% this year. As of February, the average price for a dozen eggs in Texas was $5.43. By comparison, the national average was $4.95.

Prices have risen by 53% since last year.

A carton of eggs sit on a counter in the kitchen inside of 5 Rabanitos restaurant in Chicago, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Nam Y. Huh/AP Photo)

In his letter, Gonzalez pointed out that Mexico remains the U.S.’s largest trading partner with $893.9 million worth of two-way trade shared yearly between the two countries.

“Mexico’s supply of eggs is stable, and domestic production continues to be strong,” he wrote. “The Mexican agricultural sector boasts a robust avian vaccination program that targets chickens in high-risk of contracting the avian flu. This program mitigates disruptions to egg and poultry production and ensures consumers do not face high prices or shortages.”

“By partnering with Mexico, we can prevent further inflationary measures and ensure that the egg supply in the United States is stabilized.”

He ended the letter by asking the Trump Administration to reconsider tariffs on Mexican imports, or to exempt tariffs on Mexico’s agricultural sector, which are currently set to take effect on April 2.

“Mexican produce and eggs can help alleviate our current shortages and decrease inflation in our country,” he wrote. “The proposed tariffs would be devastating and lead to higher costs for American consumers and businesses alike.”

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