U.S. egg prices have surged to a record high of $6.23 per dozen despite a decrease in wholesale prices and no recent bird flu outbreaks at egg farms. According to the Consumer Price Index, the increase means consumers and businesses relying on eggs may not see immediate relief, especially with demand typically high until after Easter on April 20.
The rise in prices comes as a surprise to industry experts who expected a drop in retail prices due to the significant decrease in wholesale prices in March. However, the drop in wholesale prices began mid-March, leaving little time for the average monthly price to decline, as explained to the Associated Press by University of Arkansas agricultural economist Jada Thompson. Additionally, grocery stores may not have promptly passed on the lower prices to consumers.
Bird flu outbreaks were previously cited as a major cause of price spikes in January and February, when over 30 million egg-laying chickens were culled to prevent the spread of the disease. Although only 2.1 million birds were slaughtered in March, none were from egg farms. Farms affected by fall outbreaks are resuming production, but new flocks take about six months to start laying eggs.
Prices vary widely across the country, influenced by local bird flu outbreaks and state laws on cage-free eggs.
As prices remain high, scrutiny on major egg producers like Cal-Maine Foods has increased. The company, which supplies 20% of the nation’s eggs, is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust division for potential price increases. Despite the high prices, Trump announced that real eggs will be used for the annual White House egg roll, with egg farmers donating over 30,000 eggs for the event.
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