Egg Prices Halve Since February 2025 as Oversupply Threatens Farmers' Viability
Updated (3 articles)
Sharp Retail Price Drop Hits Consumers and Producers The Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded the average retail price of a dozen eggs at $2.58 on February 20, 2026, roughly 50 % lower than a year earlier, while USDA wholesale rates fell to 92 cents per dozen, squeezing farm margins [1].
Avian Flu Outbreak Created Cycle of Shortage and Surplus A winter avian‑flu epidemic eliminated about 70 million laying birds, triggering earlier price spikes; rebuilt flocks now flood the market, driving wholesale prices to a three‑year low [1].
Production Costs Exceed Current Wholesale Revenues Producers spend between 98 c and $1.05 to raise a dozen eggs, yet receive only 92 c wholesale, leaving many operations in the red; mid‑size Puglisi Egg Farms, despite producing 486 million eggs, reports losses [1].
Government Response Focuses on Vaccine Funding and Export Risks The USDA allocated $100 million for avian‑flu vaccine research, aiming to stabilize supply, though critics warn the vaccine does not halt virus spread and could restrict export markets [1].
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Timeline
Sep 2025 – South Korea’s egg price index climbs 7.3 % year‑on‑year, outpacing the 5.3 % rise in overall livestock products and signaling mounting pressure on the domestic egg market[3].
Dec 2025 (early) – The United States experiences a severe avian‑influenza outbreak that kills roughly 70 million laying hens, creating a temporary shortage that later fuels an oversupply as rebuilt flocks flood the market[1].
Dec 2025 – South Korea reports three new HPAI cases, bringing the season’s total to 21; about 3 million laying hens are culled, cutting national output by 3‑4 % and pushing a carton of 30 eggs above 7,000 won[3].
2025 (throughout the year) – The USDA sets the national wholesale egg price at 92 c per dozen, below producers’ cost of 98 c‑$1.05, squeezing farm margins and prompting industry alarm[1].
2025 (throughout the year) – The USDA earmarks $100 million for avian‑flu vaccine research aimed at protecting poultry and stabilizing export markets, though critics note the vaccine does not stop virus spread[1].
Jan 2026 – South Korea announces the import of 2.24 million fresh U.S. eggs for the month, the first U.S. egg purchase since Jan 2024, to pre‑empt price spikes amid the avian‑influenza wave[2].
Jan 2026 – Korea Agro‑Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. is tasked with buying and distributing the imported eggs to supermarkets and food‑ingredient suppliers, ensuring rapid market absorption[2].
Feb 20 2026 – U.S. egg retail price falls to $2.58 per dozen, about 50 % lower than a year earlier, while producers incur losses because wholesale prices (92 c) remain below production costs (98 c‑$1.05)[1].
Feb 20 2026 – Mid‑size producer Puglisi Egg Farms ships 486 million eggs yet operates at a loss, illustrating industry‑wide financial strain despite avoiding bird losses last winter[1].
Feb 20 2026 – Industry experts warn that prolonged low prices could force family farms out of business, reducing competition and raising the risk of future egg shortages[1].
Feb 20 2026 – The USDA’s $100 million vaccine research program proceeds, aiming to curb future outbreaks, though critics caution it may not stop virus spread and could affect market access[1].