U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly discussed the issue of egg prices on multiple occasions. He once stated that shortly after he took office, people complained about soaring egg prices, which he believed had nothing to do with him. He also accused the Joe Biden administration of failing to effectively control egg prices.
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03-26, 2025Trump, who uses controlling the cost of living as a campaign strategy, now faces policy challenges brought about by rising egg prices. In the past year, U.S. egg prices have risen by 65%, and are expected to rise another 41% in 2025. The high prices have even led some people to smuggle eggs from Mexico into the United States.
To lower egg prices and address supply shortages, the United States is importing millions of eggs from countries such as South Korea, Turkey, and Brazil. So, what is the cause of the U.S. egg crisis? What does this mean for Australia, which is also facing rising egg prices?
The main reason for the soaring egg prices in the United States is the severe avian influenza outbreak, which has led to the culling of a large number of poultry. To prevent the spread of the epidemic, entire flocks are culled once any poultry are found to be infected with the virus. It is estimated that approximately 170 million chickens, turkeys, and other poultry have been culled since 2022, directly leading to a shortage of egg supply and soaring prices.
In February of this year, the average price of a dozen Grade A large eggs in U.S. cities was $5.90 (approximately AUD 9.35). If the forecast is accurate, egg prices will rise to $8.32 this year. Some small farmers' lobby groups accuse large suppliers of monopolizing the market and reducing supply to increase profits, but the American Egg Board denies this. Many supermarkets are unable to procure enough eggs, making it difficult for consumers to purchase this essential commodity. Even when eggs are available, purchases are often limited, and some people even risk smuggling eggs.
To lower egg prices, the U.S. government has adopted a $1.87 billion strategy, beginning to import eggs from countries such as South Korea and Turkey. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stated that imports will reach hundreds of millions in the short term. Farmers in Poland and Lithuania have also stated that U.S. diplomats are looking for more eggs. Rollins also stated that egg imports will cease once U.S. poultry farmers are able to increase supply.
The Brazilian Animal Protein Association stated that the Trump administration revised relevant regulations to allow Brazilian eggs to be used for human food, previously limited to pet food. In February of this year, Brazil's egg exports to the United States increased by 93% year-on-year. Rollins stated that since the plan was announced, the wholesale price of eggs has fallen by 53%. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration believes that the price decline is due to reduced demand caused by high prices, as well as improved supply due to the slowing of the avian influenza outbreak.
Australia is also facing similar challenges. In 2024, the avian influenza outbreak affected Australia's egg supply, leading to a rise in egg prices nationwide. Victoria is working hard to control the avian influenza outbreak, which has reduced the number of laying hens, thereby reducing the supply of eggs. Currently, four Victorian farms that supply eggs to the Australian market are still listed as H7 avian influenza outbreak sites. Australian consumers have been facing rising egg prices and supply shortages in recent months.
The Australian egg industry reports that although it has recovered significantly from last year's outbreak, market gaps still exist in some areas. Consumers may find that some retailers still limit the number of eggs purchased. The Australian egg industry, retailers, and the government are working together to ensure that eggs continue to be available to people across the country. An analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation shows that the current real price of eggs is higher than at any time in the past 15 years. Supermarkets have been limiting egg purchases since mid-2024, but have not stated when the restrictions will be relaxed.
There is currently no indication that Australia will import eggs from other countries to alleviate supply shortages, as the United States has done. Australia does not have H5 avian influenza and has some of the strictest biosecurity measures in the world. The Australian government announced a AUD 100 million plan last year to address the growing global avian influenza outbreak, including the problems in Australia. A spokesperson for the Australian Department of Agriculture stated that the industry is addressing the current supply disruptions. Despite some localized shortages, consumers generally have wide access to eggs. If food service companies and retailers deem it necessary to ensure the supply of egg products, they can apply to import eggs and egg products through established import approval procedures.
