Egg Prices Reach Historic High in the United States

Egg Prices Reach Historic High in the United States
An Unexpected Development
Here Are the Details

The average cost of a dozen eggs in the United States hit a new all-time high in January 2025, reaching $4.95, according to the latest Consumer Price Index.

This figure marks an 80-cent increase compared to December 2024, when the average price was $4.15.

This new record surpasses the previous high of $4.82, recorded in January 2023, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, in that instance, prices quickly dropped, and by May 2023, a dozen eggs averaged $2.67.

The price of eggs has shown an upward trend in recent years. The last time the average cost of a dozen eggs fell below $3 was in June 2024, when they were priced at $2.72. Meanwhile, prices have not dropped below $2 since January 2022.

Egg Prices Reach Historic High in the United States

By the way, there’s very little point in blaming Trump or MAGA for the current price of eggs in parts of the USA. The prices are not because of them, but because new strains of bird flu have wiped out lots of chickens and necessitated emergency quarantine methods. pic.twitter.com/jtwqtyyumh

– Tim Skellett (@gurdur) February 13, 2025

Two main factors have driven up egg prices: The bird flu outbreak and new regulations on caged hens

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) epidemic has had a devastating impact on egg production in the U.S.

During the last quarter of 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that more than 20 million laying hens had died due to containment measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.

«Unlike previous years, in 2024, all forms of production were affected, including traditional caged systems, cage-free, and organic-certified farms,» states a USDA report.

When avian flu is detected on a farm, all birds in the facility are culled, leading to a severe shortage of laying hens and a spike in prices.

Additionally, various state regulations have banned the sale of eggs from caged hens, boosting demand for more expensive products, such as those from free-range hens.

Will Egg Prices Drop Soon in the United State?

Egg prices could decline in the coming months if the avian flu outbreak is contained and production stabilizes.

However, experts warn that the growing adoption of free-range eggs and laws regulating their commercialization may keep prices elevated compared to previous years.

Lisa Steele, a poultry specialist, explained to Fox News: «Avian flu is transmitted by infected waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, which frequent wetland areas near farms.»

According to a University of Minnesota report on avian influenza: «Outdoor-raised birds are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.»

For now, American consumers are facing record-high prices for a basic household staple, while the poultry industry works to restore production and contain the spread of the virus.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED: Walmart announces mass layoffs and store closure in the US