Egg prices across the United States are on the rise again due to worsening supply conditions caused by avian flu and other factors.

According to a report by CNBC on the 12th, egg prices, which peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, could reach record highs within two years.

Citing the November Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released the previous day, CNBC reported that the average retail price of eggs in the U.S. has increased by 38% since November of last year and rose by 8% in just the past month.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price for a dozen large Grade A eggs jumped from $2.14 in November last year to $3.65 last month. In January 2022, egg prices were $1.93, soaring to $4.82 in January of last year.

Food industry experts warn that this upward price trend is likely to continue into 2025.The primary cause of the surge in egg prices is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Experts attribute the price hike to reduced egg supply due to the bird flu outbreak, coupled with rising demand during the holiday season—such as Thanksgiving and Christmas—when baking and other egg-related uses increase.

Eggs have long been considered an affordable "staple food" for American households. They are versatile, inexpensive, and provide essential nutrients. However, the country now faces a time when even eggs are becoming a luxury.

For low-income households that rely on fixed incomes, purchasing eggs has become burdensome. An 81-year-old Korean retiree, Mr. Park, shared, “Egg prices now easily exceed $4, and there are even more expensive options. I gave up on pricey beef a long time ago, and now it’s disheartening that even eggs are becoming hard to afford.”

Before the widespread avian flu outbreak in March 2022, egg supply in the United States was stable, and wholesale prices remained below $1.50 per dozen. However, the market collapsed due to the outbreak, leading to record-breaking price increases since December 2022.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the spread of avian influenza, which entered the U.S. in 2021, has resulted in the culling of approximately 33 million commercial laying hens this year alone. Of this total, 15 million hens—nearly half—were culled since October 15th.

By Hwandong Cho

<Hwandong Cho>