Egg Prices See a Dip Amid Improved Supply and Avian Flu Containment

Wholesale egg prices have recently dipped to $3.00 per dozen, marking a 9% decrease from the previous week, as reported by the USDA. This decline comes after February’s pricing peak, where eggs were sold at $5.90 a dozen, the highest in a decade. Economist Bernt Nelson from the American Farm Bureau Federation attributes the price drop to a reduction in avian influenza cases. Although grocery stores are experiencing improved supplies, some continue to limit customer purchases. Despite the recent decline, egg prices remain significantly high, with a 58.8% rise noted in February compared to last year.

This report was generated using AI and reviewed by editors at CNN.

It seems the egg shortage has finally turned a corner.

The USDA’s weekly egg market report highlighted a further decrease in wholesale egg prices to $3.00 a dozen—a 9% drop from the preceding week.

“Grocery outlets have seen a significant improvement in supply in recent weeks, offering customers fully stocked shelves and a variety of options without purchase limitations,” the report states.

This news is likely welcomed by consumers who have been dealing with egg shortages and soaring prices for several months. February’s prices, reaching $5.90 per dozen, showcased a decade-high peak according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The egg market is showing signs of recovery. While avian flu resulted in the death of 30 million egg-laying birds this year, the outbreaks have been controlled.

Bernt Nelson explains that the decline in egg prices is chiefly due to “a sharp reduction in avian influenza cases, with only 2.1 million birds affected in March, compared to 23 million in January and nearly 13 million in February.”

“America’s poultry farmers have been diligent in enhancing biosecurity measures and will persist in their efforts to safeguard their flocks,” Nelson noted.

Moreover, consumer demand has waned as higher prices deterred buyers, allowing suppliers to rebuild stocks, followed by a decrease in prices.

“The egg story seems to have reached its conclusion for now. We have an abundant inflow of eggs,” said Stew Leonard, Jr., owner of the Stew Leonard’s grocery chain in the northeast.

Leonard mentioned that during December, eggs in his stores were priced at $10 per dozen, but now sell at $5.99.

“We’re back to offering affordable eggs again, and there appears to be plenty of stock,” he commented. “I spoke with our farmers in Pennsylvania, who are restocking their farms with egg-laying hens. Production is rebounding.”

However, despite positive aspects, it might take a while for wholesale price reductions to be reflected on most grocery store shelves, as the USDA notes.

“Retail prices are only now beginning to see gradual declines,” the USDA’s report remarked. “Egg product manufacturers are generally experiencing light demand as they exploit a sluggish carton market to build supplies on the spot market, elevating production to a 3-month high.”

Many grocers continue to limit quantities customers can purchase. Costco maintains its restriction at three egg cartons per customer, while a Whole Foods in downtown Manhattan still limits purchases despite having well-stocked shelves.

President Donald Trump claims responsibility for the decreasing prices recently, declaring “we got it down.” He has also highlighted the administration’s $1 billion investment in the avian flu battle. The fall in wholesale egg prices began in late February, coinciding with the USDA’s unveiling of their disease mitigation strategy.

Though the surge in egg prices has decelerated, they remain historically elevated. In February, egg prices swelled by 10.4% from January and surged 58.8% year-on-year, based on data from the Consumer Price Index.