According to press reports approximately two container loads of duck eggs produced in Taiwan were imported through West-coast ports each week in 2020.

Taiwan has a population of 2.2 million ducks bred and held for egg production contributing to a volume of 450 million eggs annually.  Duck eggs are a delicacy favored by Asian communities.

Taiwan has now banned caged housing of ducks requiring rehousing of approximately 500,000 birds to floor systems.  In any event, no eggs can be introduced or sold in the state of California that were derived from flocks held in cages.

It is questioned why duck eggs are imported from an Asian nation given the prevalence of HPAI.  If there is a demand for duck eggs imported from nations such as Taiwan, production in California or states where market demand is present should be considered.  Ducks bred for egg production in Taiwan apparently lay 200 per duck per cycle.

Given the importance of Taiwan as an importer of broiler meat, the U.S. would have to conform to bilateral trade agreements and the World Organization of Animal Health requirements concerning regionalization in the event of outbreaks of HPAI.  Generally, the medical and veterinary services of Taiwan are of a high standard and their certification can be accepted with respect to the possible presence of HPAI in a county or province.