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2w ago

U.S. Egg Prices Hit Record $6.23 Per Dozen Despite Falling Wholesale Costs

Retail egg prices remain stubbornly high as Easter demand surges, with political claims and antitrust investigations adding to the debate.

FILE - A carton of eggs sit on a counter in the kitchen inside of 5 Rabanitos restaurant in Chicago, Feb. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)
FILE - Cartons of eggs sit on a shelf in a Walmart store, March 10, 2025, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
Eggs are displayed in a grocery store in Carmel, Ind., Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Overview

  • The average retail price for a dozen eggs reached $6.23 in March, marking a 60.4% increase from a year ago, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Wholesale egg prices have dropped significantly, falling from over $8 per dozen in February to $3.26 in early April, but retail prices have yet to reflect this decline.
  • The bird flu outbreak earlier this year led to the culling of over 30 million egg-laying chickens, severely reducing supply, though outbreaks have since subsided.
  • The USDA has implemented a five-pronged strategy, including expanded imports and improved farm biosecurity, to stabilize the market, but consumer relief has been slow to materialize.
  • Cal-Maine Foods, the nation’s largest egg producer, is under investigation by the Department of Justice for alleged price-fixing, as the company reported record profits amidst soaring prices.