U.S. Egg Prices Drop as Supply Rebounds, but Retail Costs Lag Behind
Wholesale egg prices have fallen to $3.00 per dozen, but grocery store prices remain high due to supply chain delays and seasonal demand.
- Wholesale egg prices declined by 9% last week, reaching $3.00 per dozen, according to the USDA.
- The drop in prices is attributed to a significant reduction in avian flu cases and decreased consumer demand after months of record highs.
- Retail egg prices remain elevated, averaging $5.90 per dozen in February, with a lag of up to three weeks before wholesale price reductions are reflected in stores.
- The Justice Department continues its investigation into potential price-fixing by major egg producers, raising questions about market dynamics.
- Efforts to rebuild poultry flocks are ongoing, but experts caution that full recovery to pre-avian flu production levels will take time.