Empty egg shelves and rising prices have become familiar sights in 2024 and 2025. …(+)
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Egg prices have exceeded 60% last year, and supply chain disruptions have sparse shelves. This is why there is a shortage of eggs, what is driving prices soaring, and why we’re going forward.
Eggs are simple, affordable and a staple in the kitchen. However, according to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS), they have recently become more expensive and difficult to find, with a national average cost of 63% last year, making them even more expensive and difficult. What is behind this egg crisis? A complete storm of disease, costs and demand is reshaping the market, and consumers are rushing for answers.
Why are eggs so expensive?
Egg prices have increased by 63% in just one year. From avian flu to rising production costs, here are the reasons …(+)
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A shortage is not a simple problem of supply and demand. That is the result of some compound interest issues.
Avian flu epidemic
At the heart of the crisis is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The outbreak has affected approximately 110 million birds since January 2022, including egg-soaked chickens, the worst bird flu in U.S. history, according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Testing Service (APHIS). It’s been happening. HPAI has been detected in 48 states, with major losses reported in Utah, Washington and Oregon.
Increase in production costs
Inflation has been added to the stocks. Farmers have higher prices for feed, fuel and labor. Although no specific breakdowns are available in these reports, general production costs have risen sharply across the agricultural sector.
Increase in seasonal demand
As mentioned in the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services report, egg consumption usually skyrockets during the holiday season, especially in November and December, when demand for baking is the highest. This seasonal surge combined with supply problems caused by the avian flu have further enhanced availability.
Change policy
State regulations requiring cageless egg production in places like California and Massachusetts also play a role. Production challenges and distribution bottlenecks are emerging as farms move to meet these requirements, according to the EPA.
Increased demand for eggs – Long-term trends
Egg consumption peaks during holidays for baking and cooking, but no supply was possible …(+)
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Egg consumption in the US has steadily increased over the past 20 years. According to United egg producers, per capita egg consumption has increased by around 4.8% since 2000, reflecting the growing preference for eggs as a versatile and affordable protein source.
Despite the recent upheaval caused by the avian flu outbreak, this growing demand underscores the importance of eggs in the American diet.
Impact felt everywhere: from Costco shelves to family farms
Consumers face higher prices, while farmers are working to rebuild their swarms lost to the flu. …(+)
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The effects of egg shortages are felt at homes, grocery stores and farms across the country. As reported in USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services, in October 2024, the national average price for eggs reached $3.37 in October 2024. According to a report by the Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), some grocery stores even rely on limiting per-customer purchases to manage their supply.
Customers at major retailers like Costco have reported limited egg supply, and some California stores have experienced acute shortages due to the requirement for avian flu and local cage-free eggs. It’s there.
What does this shortage tell us about the food system?
The lack of eggs highlights the vulnerability of the industrial agricultural system. As reported by the USDA and other sources, food supply chains are particularly susceptible to disruptions such as disease outbreaks, due to their heavy reliance on large-scale operations. Some Americans are exploring backyard chicken farming as an option, and are trying to control food supply more strongly.
What’s next for egg prices?
USDA forecasts suggest that egg production will fall below normal levels until 2025, leaving prices …(+)
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The future of egg prices remains uncertain. The USDA has adjusted its production forecast down for 2025, indicating that a recovery from supply losses this year could take longer than expected. Some experts say the desired price will stabilize as the herd is replenished, but the timeline remains unknown.
In the meantime, this crisis serves as a reminder of how interconnected our food systems are and how important it is to build resilience into them for the future.
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