In the past few months, egg prices in the United States have soared, with some retail stores selling a dozen eggs for over $9, and a Chinese supermarket selling a dozen eggs for $12. The high egg prices have stunned Americans.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in December 2024, the average wholesale price for a dozen eggs was $4.62. However, due to transportation costs, local demand, and market competition, prices vary by region. As of January 10, the average cost of a dozen eggs in California was $8.04, and in New York, it was $6.25.
Eggs are a staple on many people’s shopping lists, but the high prices and low supply are impacting not only consumers but also businesses.
Robin Jones, speaking to ABC7 News on January 15, said she buys eggs for her family at least once a week. “I like to put eggs in salads, breakfast, everything,” Jones said.
She mentioned noticing the recent price increases. “A carton of eggs (12) used to be about four to five dollars. Now, it’s eight to nine dollars,” Jones said. “It’s shocking. I don’t know what will happen next.”
Sokol, the owner of “Martin’s Coney Island” restaurant in Southfield, also expressed the pain of high egg prices. His restaurant uses over 3,000 eggs per week.
“We used to spend around $40 for a case of eggs. Now, we’re spending around $110,” he said.
He added that he is considering raising prices out of necessity. “It’s unfortunate, but for survival, we have to do this,” he said.
The main factor keeping egg prices high is the avian flu, which began in early 2022 and resulted in the culling of millions of egg-laying hens. With demand remaining stable but supply reduced, prices have risen.
This is the second surge in egg prices in the United States since 2022 when a previous avian flu outbreak caused a shortage of eggs due to the deaths of many egg-laying hens. This current avian flu outbreak, which began on a large scale in early 2022, has already led to the deaths of over 100 million chickens.
With supply still struggling to recover and the avian flu ongoing, there is no sign of grocery store egg prices decreasing in the short term.
Regarding what may happen next, University of Michigan economics professor Ariel Shwayder told ABC7 that consumers can monitor outbreaks of avian flu.
“What I would be watching for is tracking this situation. If we see the number of infected flocks continue to rise, then we should expect egg prices to continue to rise. If that starts to wane, then I think we can start to see prices come down.”
The industry predicts that egg prices will eventually decrease. Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not forecast nationwide wholesale prices, the average wholesale price per dozen in New York is considered an industry standard. Last month, the USDA estimated that the average price in New York would remain high at $4.80 per dozen at the beginning of this year but eventually drop to $2.35 per dozen by the end of 2025, higher than the earlier prediction of $2.10 per dozen.
While prices are expected to fall from the peak at the end of 2024, by 2025, egg prices may still remain above pre-pandemic levels. However, further outbreaks or supply disruptions could once again drive prices up, as egg prices often change rapidly based on market conditions.