Overview
- Wholesale egg prices in the U.S. have fallen to an average of $4.15 per dozen, down from a peak of $8.64 earlier this month.
- The decline is attributed to a lull in bird flu outbreaks and a sharp drop in consumer demand driven by high prices.
- Despite the wholesale price drop, retail prices remain high, with some consumers paying over $5.90 per dozen in February.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported a 36% rise in egg smuggling cases as Americans seek cheaper alternatives from Mexico and Canada.
- The Department of Justice is investigating potential price-fixing by major egg producers, while the USDA is investing in biosecurity and considering increased imports to stabilize prices.