Egg prices have declined significantly in March, providing some relief to consumers who have faced soaring costs for the staple food. The price of white large shell eggs fell to an average of $6.85 per dozen last week, marking a $1.20 drop from February 28, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Supply Recovery Helps Lower Prices
The USDA reported in its March 7 update that a pause in new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has allowed egg production to rebound.
“Demand for shell eggs continues to fade into the new month as no significant outbreaks of HPAI have been detected in nearly two weeks,” the USDA wrote. “This respite has provided an opportunity for production to make progress in reducing recent shell egg shortages.”
Inflation Concerns and Tariff Uncertainty
Egg prices have been a major pain point for consumers amid broader concerns over inflation and the potential impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico. Economists fear that these tariffs could further drive up prices and worsen economic conditions.
Despite the recent drop, egg prices have still surged more than 170% from a year ago, according to USDA data. The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into allegations that major egg producers engaged in anticompetitive practices to inflate prices.
Industry Scrutiny and DOJ Investigation
Cal-Maine Foods and other large egg producers have cited the avian flu outbreak, which led to the culling of millions of hens, as the primary cause of higher prices.
“The primary reason for the drop is actions taken by the administration’s Department of Justice to investigate the companies for possible antitrust violations,” said Joe Maxwell, president of Farm Action Fund. “The dominant firms have so much control over the market that they can increase prices and lower prices almost at will.”
Maxwell added that while there has been some softening in consumer demand for eggs, it is not a significant factor in the price decline.
Consumer Spending Shifts
Egg prices were a key driver in February’s consumer price index (CPI) report, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics noting that prices rose 10.4% last month and 58.8% year-over-year. The increased cost of eggs has led some consumers to shift their breakfast habits in search of more affordable alternatives.
