First he came for Greenland now Trump wants Danish eggs as avian flu hits the US

The US has asked Denmark to export eggs to help tackle America’s ongoing shortage, caused by avian flu.

- RACHEL CLUN

More than 30 million laying hens have been culled this year due to outbreaks across the US, causing prices to nearly double in the year to January and soar beyond $8 (£6.18) a dozen by late February.

But the timing of the request is awkward for the US, with Denmark among the countries feeling the sharp end of Donald Trump’s tariff wars and the president sparking outrage in the country over his demands to acquire the Danish territory of Greenland.

Mr Trump vowed to bring down the price of eggs on the first day of his second term during the election campaign, and in a recent address to a joint session of Congress blamed his predecessor for the “out of control” pricing. But egg shortages are continuing. Now Denmark’s industry organisation, Danish Eggs, said it has been approached by the US to increase its exports to help out.