Egg prices in the U.S. have fallen to $3.45 per dozen, reaching their lowest level in nearly five months, following a period of price volatility fueled by supply chain issues, bird flu outbreaks, and fluctuating consumer demand.
Why It Matters
Egg prices became a key issue in discussions about inflation during the 2024 presidential election, as grocery costs remained a concern for American households. President Donald Trump frequently criticized rising food prices on the campaign trail, linking them to broader economic policies.
He vowed to tackle the price of eggs on “day one” of his administration but admitted in December 2024 that it was “hard to bring things down once they’re up.”
The recent drop in egg prices may signal relief for consumers after months of high costs.
What To Know
Egg prices have experienced extreme fluctuations over the past year. On March 3, wholesale egg prices reached a record $8.17 per dozen, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The spike was attributed to tight supplies and seasonal demand.
Since then, prices have declined more than 57 percent to $3.45 per dozen, the lowest since late October 2024.
A recent USDA Egg Market Report noted that egg inventories have increased, contributing to the drop in prices. The report also found that demand has eased slightly following the holiday season, reducing upward pressure on costs, and that there had been “no significant” outbreaks of bird flu reported so far in March.
More than 111 million birds, mostly egg-laying hens, were infected or culled between February 2022 and January 2025, reducing supply.
The USDA data refers to wholesale egg prices. Retail prices, meanwhile, skyrocketed to an average of $5.90 per dozen large Grade A eggs in February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s nearly double what they were in February last year.
What People Are Saying
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday: “Egg prices, they continue to fall…I think the American people do have great reason to be optimistic about this economy.”
The USDA report said: “Slowing [bird flu] outbreaks are leading to improved supply availability and wholesale market prices have responded with sharp declines over the past week. However, these declines have yet to be reflected at store shelves and, until they are, demand is expected to remain dampened.”
What Happens Next
While prices have fallen significantly, analysts have warned that fluctuations in price are still possible.
USDA has predicted egg prices could soar more than 40 percent in 2025.
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