A new achievement in the poultry industry: Colombian shell eggs approved for entry into the U.S. market

According to a report by Colombia's "Observer" on the 1st, the authorization from the United States allows Colombia to export shell eggs to six designated U.S. processing plants without a license or prior health certification. This not only promotes the diversification of Colombia's export products and strengthens the poultry industry but also opens up economic growth opportunities in markets with high health standards.

Colombia's Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, Diana Morales, welcomed this achievement and emphasized via the social media platform X that the U.S. move will expand opportunities for Colombia's poultry industry, help Colombia integrate into high-standard value chains, and consolidate the competitiveness of its products in the international market.

Morales attributed this achievement to the coordinated efforts of Colombia's Ministry of Agriculture, the Agricultural Institute (ICA), the Colombian Embassy in the United States, and the National Association of Poultry Farmers of Colombia (Fenavi). She also highlighted that this achievement confirms the maturity of Colombia's national health system.

Shell eggs for industrial processing are products that have been washed, disinfected, and inspected, and then mechanically separated into their components (egg white, egg yolk, and eggshell). These eggs can be used whole or processed into various forms of egg products, such as liquid, frozen, or powdered eggs. These egg products can be used as ingredients in products like mayonnaise, ice cream, and baked goods. Additionally, eggshells are processed into calcium carbonate powder, which, due to its high absorption rate and low cost, can be used as a dietary supplement in functional foods and nutritional supplements.

Colombia is one of the world's leading egg-consuming countries. According to data from the National Association of Poultry Farmers, it is estimated that by the end of 2025, the annual per capita egg consumption in Colombia will reach 365 eggs, equivalent to one egg per person per day.

Furthermore, it is expected that by the end of this year, the national egg production will reach 190 billion eggs, and is expected to exceed 195 billion eggs, a 7.7% increase from 2024; and egg production is expected to remain stable in 2026.

Colombia's poultry exports are also growing significantly. From March to the present, Colombia has exported 149 containers of shell eggs to the Caribbean region, totaling 38 million eggs, generating over $4.8 million in revenue. In 2024, the export volume of shell eggs increased by more than 800% compared to the same period in 2023. Currently, the main markets for Colombia's shell eggs are Mexico, the Caribbean region, Peru, and Venezuela, while egg products are mainly exported to the Caribbean region.