MCALLEN, Texas - U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez wants the Trump Administration to allow the import of eggs farmed in Mexico. He says the price of eggs in the U.S. are far too high for his constituents.
The average price of a dozen eggs in Texas was $5.43 in February. The price for a carton of 30 eggs in S-Mart in Reynosa, Mexico, right now can cost around 90 pesos, which is less than $4.50. The price of a carton of 30 eggs in Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, Mexico is currently 75 pesos, or just under $3.70.
It is currently unlawful to transport eggs from Mexico to the United States.
Last Friday, Gonzalez, D-McAllen, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary and Texas native Brooke Rollins urging the Trump Administration to allow the import of eggs farmed in Mexico to provide families in South Texas and throughout the United States economic relief from record-high prices.
“As you are aware, eggs were a cost-effective way for families to supplement their meals with nutrients and protein. 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.”
Editor's Note: Here is a video of campesino Jesus Perez feeding his chickens on his ranch at San San Antonio de las Barrancas near Matehuala in San Luis Potosí, Mexico:
Gonzalez said Mexico’s supply of eggs is “stable, and domestic production continues to be strong.”
Gonzalez continued: “By partnering with Mexico, we can prevent further inflationary measures and ensure that the egg supply in the United States is stabilized.”
Gonzalez pointed out that egg prices continue to rise in Texas and across the country, with the USDA estimating that on average the cost of a dozen eggs will increase by up to 41 percent in 2025. He said the average price of a dozen eggs in Texas was $5.43 in February, which is above the national average of $4.95. Egg prices are up 53 percent from one year ago, Gonzalez noted.
Gonzalez said he is committed to lowering prices for South Texas families. He is also urging the Trump administration to reconsider the proposed 25 percent tariffs on Mexican imports due to go into effect on April 2, 2025. “These tariffs will only increase prices on foods and goods for all Americans,” Gonzalez said.
Here is the letter Congressman Gonzalez sent to Secretary Rollins:
Secretary Brooke Rollins
U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250
Dear Secretary Rollins:
March 7, 2025
I write to you today to express concern over the rising costs of eggs. As you are aware, eggs were a cost-effective way for families to supplement their meals with nutrients and protein. This is especially important in regions like South Texas, where food security and affordability are major concerns. 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.
Recent reports indicate that the United States is considering importing eggs from our trade partners abroad to alleviate the current egg shortage (1). As you assess what countries to import from, I ask that you seriously consider Mexico an option.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 (2). 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. I urge the Administration to take drastic measures to ensure that consumers and businesses alike are protected from these market shocks.
Mexico is our largest trading partner, and we share $893.9 million worth of two-way trade between both nations per year (3). Mexico’s supply of eggs is stable, and domestic production continues to be strong. The Mexican agricultural sector boasts a robust avian vaccination program that targets chickens in high-risk of contracting the avian flu (4). 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.
Finally, I ask that the Administration reconsider any tariffs on Mexican imports set to go into effect on April 2, 2025, or at least exempt Mexico’s agricultural sector, a major employer in the country. Mexican produce and eggs can help alleviate our current shortages and decrease inflation in our country. The proposed tariffs would be devastating and lead to higher costs for American consumers and businesses alike.
Thank you for time and consideration. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Legislative Assistant, Paulina Carrillo, in my office at Paulina.Carrillo@mail.house.gov or at (202) 225-2531. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Vicente Gonzalez Member of Congress
