Why Egg Prices Are Hatching Headlines

Egg prices are on the move again, and if you’ve been grocery shopping lately, you’ve probably noticed. One day, a dozen eggs are an easy $2.50. The next, they’re creeping past $5. But this isn’t the first time we have dealt with egg price swings. From the rationing days of World War II to the 1980s farm crises and more recent supply chain disruptions, eggs have always been a staple with a surprisingly volatile price tag. So, what’s going on this time? And more importantly, where is this headed? Let’s crack it open. 

So, Why Do Egg Prices Keep Fluctuating?  

If egg prices feel like a rollercoaster, that’s because they are. Just last year, we saw record-high prices due to an avian flu outbreak that wiped out millions of hens. Then, as flocks recovered, prices settled. But now? Another surge is hitting American households. This time, tariffs and trade policies are at the center of the storm. And here’s the breakdown: 

• New Tariffs on Imported Eggs & Feed:  Recently, changes in trade policy have increased costs for imported eggs and chicken feed, squeezing suppliers. 
• Avian Flu Still Lurking: While not as devastating as last year, new cases of avian influenza are keeping supply chains tight. In January and February 2025 alone, over 31 million birds were culled to contain the virus, adding to the cumulative loss of 127 million birds since 2022. 
• High Demand & Seasonal Trends: Easter is just over a month away and demand for eggs will surge once again.   
• Inflation & Supply Chain Woes: The cost of production, transportation, and labour is up across the board. Eggs are no exception. 

The result? A classic supply-and-demand squeeze that’s sending egg prices north again. 

What’s Happening Right Now?

The most recent jolt in egg prices is largely tied to trade and tariff shifts. The U.S. has historically imported eggs from Canada and Mexico to stabilize prices when domestic supply dips. But new 25% tariffs on agricultural imports, including eggs and poultry feed, are disrupting that balance. Producers are feeling the pinch, and they’re passing those costs onto consumers. 

Meanwhile, the U.S. poultry industry is still rebounding from last year’s flu outbreak. While production levels have improved, it’s not back to pre-pandemic levels. Plus, feed costs, especially soy and corn, remain elevated due to global supply chain issues. It’s a perfect storm for price hikes. 

What Can We Expect?

Will we see $10 cartons of eggs in 2025? Probably not, but don’t expect prices to drop overnight. You might have noticed some limits at the checkout of grocery stores to deal with high demands. According to NBC News, grocery chains like Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Sam’s Club have put restrictions in place. Walmart, for instance, is capping purchases of 60-count cartons at two per customer, while smaller packs remain unrestricted. Sam’s Club is also limiting shoppers to two cartons per brand. Meanwhile, some locations of Kroger, Costco, Whole Foods, and Aldi are enforcing their own egg purchase limits. Talk about high demand! 

However, we can expect Government Intervention by adjustment in tariffs or subsidies to offset costs. If people start cutting back on eggs (or opting for alternatives), demand could shift and stabilize prices. For now, the best move for consumers? Stay informed, shop smart, and keep an eye on how the market reacts to policy shifts.  

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2025 food price outlook, retail egg prices will remain unpredictable, fluctuating month to month, with an overall projected increase of 20.3% this year. So, if you see a deal on eggs at your local grocery store, it might not be a bad idea to stock up or at least be prepared for some price swings ahead. Stay tuned, because this is one food staple that’s proving to be anything but predictable. And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more such stories every week.