Chicken stands next to a chicken coop on a sunrise farm in Petaluma, California on February 18, 2025.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Egg prices have dropped sharply so far in March, which has provided consumers with much-needed relief for supermarket staples.
Last week, the cost of white big shell eggs dropped to an average of $6.85 per dozen According to data From the US Department of Agriculture. This means a drop of $1.20 per play, while 15% withdraw the previous USDA update by February 28.
“There is no large outbreaks of HPAI (highly pathogenic avian flu), the demand for shell eggs continues to fade. “This has been found in nearly two weeks,” the USDA wrote in its weekly update on March 7. “This respite opportunity has made progress in reducing the recent shortage of shell eggs. ”
Egg prices have become a key pressure point for consumers who are tired of inflation and are worried about potential price increases due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on widespread imports. While the full consequences of Canada, China and Mexico’s responsibilities are not yet clear, stocks have retreated so far in 2025 as fears the move could further raise commodity prices and plunge the economic trend into recession.
USDA data shows that it is certain that egg prices are still soaring more than 170% over the same period last year. The rise prompted the U.S. Department of Justice investigation Accusations of anti-competitive practices From some of the largest egg producers in the country. Companies including Cal-Maine Foods have been touted Crush avian fluwhich forced millions of egg hens to be eliminated, which is the main catalyst for the rise in egg prices.
“The main reason for the decline is the action taken by the government’s Justice Department to investigate possible antitrust violations,” said Joe Maxwell, president of the Farm Action Foundation. “The major companies have such a lot of control over the market that they can raise prices and lower prices almost at will.”
“Consumer demand for eggs has eased, but given that this is a continuing trend, we don’t see it as an important factor,” Maxwell added.
Egg price is a key factor Consumer Price Index in February According to the report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that prices rose 10.4% last month and 58.8% year-on-year. The obvious price of eggs even prompts consumers to start Change their breakfast habits.
