The debate over the importation of Brazilian eggs is heating up, with allegations of connections to a recent summit. Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon claimed that President Lee Jae-myung's decision to import the eggs was influenced by his friendship with Brazilian President Lula da Silva, despite the economic impracticality of such imports. The government, however, maintains that the imports were a trial measure to secure new supply chains in response to emergencies like avian influenza.
On October 16, Han posted on Facebook, stating, "Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung's assertion that the opening of Brazilian egg imports is unrelated to the summit is not true." While visiting Brazil for a National Assembly audit of overseas diplomatic missions, Han questioned Ambassador Choi Young-han about the connection between the egg imports and the summit during an audit at the Brazilian embassy on October 15. Choi responded that "there is room for interpretation." Minister Song had previously stated on October 7 during a National Assembly audit that the egg imports were not related to the summit.
Han pointed out that President Lee has met with President Lula five times since taking office, raising suspicions that the decision to open imports of economically unviable Brazilian eggs could be a "gift" for Lula. He also noted the significant possibility of Lula losing in the upcoming runoff election on October 25, emphasizing that national interests should take precedence over personal friendships.
The controversy stems from the high costs associated with the imports. According to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on October 15, the government spent approximately 1.6 billion won to import about 1.12 million fresh eggs from Brazil. The import price per 30 eggs was 43,923 won, translating to over 1,400 won per egg, which is more than ten times the average market price of around 131 won per egg. Han noted that he purchased the eggs at 1,464 won each and sold them for 143 won, with taxpayers covering the significant difference.
The government's explanation differs, stating that of the 1.6 billion won, about 200 million won was for the local purchase of eggs, while the remaining 1.4 billion won covered air transportation and customs fees. President Lee also refuted the high import price allegations on social media on October 15, clarifying that the purchase price was about 178 won per egg, with the rest attributed to transportation costs. The Ministry of Agriculture explained that customs duties would return to domestic revenue.
The Ministry of Agriculture initiated egg imports after approximately 13.7% of the country's laying hens, totaling 11.34 million, were culled due to avian influenza last winter. With the same disease affecting existing supplier the United States, which led to canceled contracts, the government expanded its sources to include Thailand in March, Brazil in July, and Denmark in September. Brazil, located in the Southern Hemisphere, is seen as a potential alternative supply source during the domestic winter months when avian influenza outbreaks are more common. This year, the total number of fresh eggs imported from four countries reached 133.24 million, with Brazilian eggs accounting for only 0.8% of that total.
The Ministry of Agriculture stated that due to the significant transportation costs and financial burden, it would comprehensively evaluate the appropriateness of import costs and the effectiveness of the trial introduction before deciding on additional imports from Brazil based on supply and cost conditions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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