According to the USDA, the average price of a dozen eggs for industry use in the United States is $0.086 in week 14, significantly down from last year. Wholesale prices are even lower, at under $0.40 per dozen. This decline is expected to continue due to seasonal demand drops and a shift in consumer preference towards alternative eggs amid economic tensions.
The costs of production remain lower than spot prices, as biosecurity measures have raised production expenses. However, farmers are hesitant to make changes, especially after the challenges of reintroducing pullets.
Consumer egg prices have dropped by 60% since Easter 2025, reflecting the oversupply in the market. Stocks of eggs in the U.S. have exceeded last year’s levels by 20%, as farms ramp up production following the avian flu crisis. The U.S. also imported a billion eggs, facilitated by government policies, to ease the surplus.
Despite the increase in production, the USDA reports 15.2 million hens culled due to avian flu in 2026, with a significant loss in both caged and conventional farming systems. Nonetheless, egg laying numbers have increased compared to the previous year.
Recent months have seen the U.S. exporting egg products to the EU, with notable shipments to Denmark, Italy, Spain, and Ireland. While egg product exports are thriving, direct exports of whole eggs to the EU face logistical challenges due to price differentials and transportation issues.
Negotiations are ongoing to facilitate whole egg exports to the EU, but the transition from American egg cartons to European plastic trays presents logistical hurdles. The automation of European egg processing facilities further complicates the potential for whole egg exports.
(Note: The article discusses the current challenges and trends in the egg industry in the United States and its impact on international trade with the European Union.)
