Egg prices continued their upward trend in February, rising 10.4% from the previous month to $5.90 for a dozen large Grade A eggs. The increase is largely attributed to an ongoing outbreak of avian influenza, which has led to a nationwide shortage and forced producers to cull millions of hens.
Over the past year, egg prices have increased by nearly 60%, with food prices more broadly rising 0.2% in February. This upward trend in consumer staples, including eggs, has complicated President Trump’s promise to reduce inflation during his presidential campaign last fall.
Producers blame the avian flu outbreak for tighter supplies and high prices, citing losses of over 40 million egg-laying hens in 2024 due to the virus. The Justice Department is also investigating major egg producers’ pricing practices, with Cal-Maine Foods reporting an 82% jump in revenue in its latest quarter.
The Agriculture Department has announced plans to import more eggs and increase funding for efforts to combat avian flu, aiming to address the shortage and stabilize prices.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/12/business/egg-prices-inflation.html