Egg prices have dropped sharply in March, providing relief to consumers. According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, the average cost of white large shell eggs fell to $6.85 per dozen, a decline of $1.20 per dozen and 15% compared to February’s update.
The USDA attributes this drop to no significant outbreaks of HPAI, allowing production to make progress in reducing recent shell egg shortages. Demand for eggs has been fading as consumers are tired of sticky inflation and worried about potential price increases due to President Trump’s tariffs.
Although prices have skyrocketed 170% from last year, a US Department of Justice investigation into anticompetitive practices by major egg producers has contributed to the decline. The investigation, which includes companies like Cal-Maine Foods, is believed to be the primary reason for the drop in prices.
“The dominant firms have so much control over the market that they can increase prices and lower prices almost at will,” said Joe Maxwell, president of Farm Action Fund. This statement suggests that the decrease in egg prices is not primarily due to a change in consumer demand, but rather the administration’s actions in investigating potential antitrust violations.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/13/egg-prices-are-rapidly-falling-so-far-in-march.html