Eggs Becoming Breakfast Staple to Luxury Item: Prices Up By 310% Since 2005

By: Muskan Agrawal

Egg prices in the United States, up by 310% since 2005, have experienced signifi cant fl uctuations over the past few years, infl uenced by a combination of factors including avian infl uenza outbreaks, supply chain disruptions, and international trade policies. Since the onset of the outbreak, approximately 170 million birds have been culled to contain the virus.

As of early April 2025, consumers are grappling with elevated egg prices, with the national average reaching $5.90 per dozen in February, marking a 19.2% increase from January's $4.95 per dozen. A primary driver of this surge is the widespread outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.

In response to domestic shortages, the U.S. increased egg imports from countries such as Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea. These imports aimed to alleviate supply constraints and stabilize prices. However, recent tariff proposals by the Trump administration threaten to undermine these eff orts. The proposed tariff s include a 10% general rate and a 26% tariff on South Korean imports, potentially increasing costs for manufacturers and leading to higher consumer prices for processed egg products.
The impact of rising egg prices extends beyond the grocery store. Traditional celebrations such as Easter and Passover have been aff ected, with the cost of related staples soaring due to infl ation. Easter groceries have averaged $106.40, an 11% increase, while Passover staples have reached $124.51, an 18.1% rise from the previous year. These increases have prompted consumers to seek alternatives, such as decorating potatoes instead of eggs.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of potential relief. Wholesale egg prices are showing signs of decline in recent months. For instance, in New York, the cost of a dozen large eggs dropped from $8.53 in February to $3.93 by late March 2025. This decline is attributed partly to farmers rebuilding their fl ocks and reduced losses from avian fl u outbreaks in early 2025. However, retail prices have not adjusted as quickly due to grocery stores setting prices based on inventory purchased weeks earlier. As a result, consumers are still paying historically high prices for eggs at grocery stores. Economists anticipate that this decrease may soon translate to lower retail prices, off ering some respite to consumers. However, the eff ectiveness of this relief could be mitigated by the impending tariff s on imported eggs.
The current egg price crisis is multifaceted, involving not only disease outbreaks but also factors such as increased feed costs, regulatory mandates, and supply chain disruptions. Additionally, analyses have indicated that grocery retailers have increased their profi t margins during this period, contributing to sustained high prices.
In summary, the U.S. egg market is navigating a complex landscape shaped by avian infl uenza, international trade policies, and economic factors. While there are indications of potential price stabilization, external factors such as proposed tariff s and ongoing supply challenges continue to pose risks. Consumers and industry stakeholders alike remain vigilant, hoping for a return to more stable and aff ordable egg prices in the near future.