The prices are plunging.
Egg prices in the United States have seen a sharp decline, dropping over 61% since January after reaching historic highs earlier this year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) now lists the national average price for a dozen large white eggs at $2.52. This is a significant decrease from January 21, when a dozen eggs cost approximately $6.49. Prices had spiked even higher in early March, reaching over $8 per dozen—the highest on record.
The USDA attributes this dramatic drop in prices to a combination of reduced consumer demand and improvements in the supply chain, particularly with fewer disruptions from avian influenza outbreaks. The agency’s Egg Markets Overview noted that, although there was a minor uptick in demand ahead of Memorial Day, overall interest in shell eggs has stayed well below normal. Consumer behavior shifted during the winter’s price surge, with one study showing that over 30% of Americans temporarily stopped purchasing eggs due to the cost.
Efforts to stabilize supply chains also played a role. The United States increased egg imports from countries such as Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea to compensate for domestic losses. The avian flu outbreak, which first raised alarms in 2022, has had a devastating effect on poultry. According to Bernt Nelson of the American Farm Bureau Foundation, the virus has impacted over 166 million birds, including more than 127 million egg-laying hens. On average, this has meant an annual loss of 42.3 million layers—roughly 11% of the typical five-year inventory.
The outbreak is still ongoing, with 43 separate cases recently confirmed across 10 states, including major egg-producing regions like Iowa, Ohio, and California. While prices have dropped, the USDA cautions that the market remains vulnerable to further shifts in disease prevalence and consumer trends. The agency continues to work closely with state and local authorities to monitor flock health and ensure supply chain stability.
Overall, the drop in egg prices offers a welcome break for consumers amid broader concerns about food inflation. Industry analysts suggest that, although current conditions are improving, future fluctuations could still occur depending on public health developments and economic policies through the rest of the year.
