As the U.S. continues to face an unprecedented financial crisis, due in large part to inflation, citizens have seen a dramatic increase in the price of basic goods – and Americans are capitalizing on the situation, smuggling goods across the border to stay ahead of the monetary shifts. Yet, border security is more concerned about this than things like fentanyl.
In a time of uncertainty, Americans are finding unexpected ways to save money. With egg prices in the United States at an all-time high, shoppers desperate to keep costs down have looked beyond our own borders. Incredibly, reports show that egg seizures at the U.S. borders have risen dramatically as customers take advantage of the much lower cost of eggs in Canada and Mexico. Those who have taken the plunge have reaped the benefits; eggs costing almost half as much as they would domestically. As difficult financial times are sure to continue, now could be a great opportunity for citizens across our nation to look abroad for savings on their grocery bills!
The Washington Examiner reports, as domestic egg prices rise, egg seizures at U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada have skyrocketed.
According to the BBC, American consumers are now looking abroad for eggs, which cost nearly half as much overseas as they do here.
Despite slowing inflation the price of eggs has increased for a specific reason. CBS explains the hardship Americans are feeling across the country.
Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection San Diego, tweeted on Tuesday, “The San Diego Field Office has recently noticed an increase in the number of eggs intercepted at our ports of entry. As a reminder, uncooked eggs are prohibited entry from Mexico into the U.S. Failure to declare agriculture items can result in penalties of up to $10,000.”
At the bottom of her tweet was a reminder as to why that is the case:
“Uncooked eggs are NOT allowed to be crossed into the U.S. from Mexico due to risk of Bird Flu and Newcastle Disease.”
CBP Supervisory Agriculture Specialist Charles Payne told Border Report that the high figure is usually reserved for illegal commercial shipments. In the case of undeclared eggs, individuals will be fined around $300; those that are declared will only be seized without a fine.
In addition to the eggs being seized, he added that they are incinerated.
Between Oct. 1 and the end of 2022, CBP observed a 108% increase in egg seizures at the U.S.-Mexico border. As egg prices continue to rise, egg seizures have increased even more in recent weeks.
Focusing on the dangers of smuggling eggs into the country seems like an odd choice for our border patrol when much more severe issues are happening. There is a far greater danger in our communities like illegal crossings at the border while bringing in dangerous drugs like fentanyl. Although It is important that these issues be taken seriously or else we will face unforseen consequences. Illegals criminals wandering around freely in the US should be top concern over smuggled eggs. We need to make sure we are properly solving our bigger problem, then we worry about American citizens smuggling eggs.
Let’s continue this conversation, in the comments below.
