Eggs Haunt Trump This Easter

Egg prices have once again hit record highs, making everyday grocery shopping more expensive for many Americans. The ongoing bird flu outbreak has devastated poultry farms, forcing the culling of millions of birds, and with Easter and Passover approaching, demand for eggs is increasing, further driving up costs.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index, a dozen Grade A eggs cost an average of $5.90 in February across U.S. cities, a 10.4% increase from last year. This surpasses the previous record set in January when the price was $4.95 per dozen. Before the bird flu crisis, egg prices had remained under $2 per dozen for decades, making the current costs particularly shocking for consumers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that egg prices could rise by as much as 41% this year compared to last year’s average of $3.17 per dozen.

The primary cause of this price surge is the avian flu, which has led to the loss of more than 166 million birds, primarily egg-laying hens. Just since the start of the year, over 30 million egg-laying chickens have been culled. As a result, this is the third consecutive year where consumers are facing high egg prices ahead of Easter, which falls on April 20, and Passover, beginning on April 12—both occasions where eggs play a central role in meals and traditions.

Despite the challenges, there is some hope that relief could be on the way. The USDA recently reported that egg shortages are easing, and wholesale prices are beginning to decline. If this trend continues, consumers may start to see lower prices in stores, especially since this year’s Easter falls three weeks later than last year, allowing more time for price adjustments. Additionally, there have been no major bird flu outbreaks reported in the last two weeks, which is a positive sign for poultry farmers.

David Anderson, a livestock economist at Texas A&M University, noted that declining wholesale prices indicate some stabilization in the market. However, he cautioned that prices won’t drop significantly until egg producers can replenish their flocks, which takes time. Egg production cannot rebound overnight, but as more hens are raised, supplies should improve, and prices should eventually decline.

Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, also acknowledged the drop in wholesale prices but warned that demand for Easter eggs could cause a temporary spike. She also pointed out that spring migration poses a continued risk since wild birds are a major carrier of avian flu, potentially spreading the disease to egg-laying flocks again.

Some advocacy groups have raised concerns about possible price gouging, questioning whether egg producers are using the crisis as an excuse to drive up prices. However, egg producers argue that the avian flu is the sole factor behind the increased costs.

The impact of rising egg prices has also been felt in the restaurant industry, with many establishments adding surcharges or adjusting menu offerings to compensate for higher costs.

In response to the crisis, the Trump administration has announced a comprehensive plan to address the bird flu outbreak. This includes a $500 million investment to help farmers improve biosecurity measures, $400 million in additional aid for farmers whose flocks have been affected, and $100 million for research into potential vaccines and treatments for U.S. poultry. However, while these efforts could help in the long run, they are unlikely to provide immediate relief for consumers facing high prices at the grocery store.

For now, shoppers may need to plan ahead and look for alternative options if egg prices remain elevated through the holiday season.