Soaring Egg Prices Strain Americans Amid Avian Flu Outbreak

Egg prices in the U.S. have recently seen dramatic increases, largely due to outbreaks of Avian Influenza, which have killed millions of birds and disrupted supply chains. While wholesale prices have begun to decline, consumers are still facing high prices, with reports indicating that a dozen eggs rose from around $1.50 to as much as $9.50 in some areas. The economic impact is felt across the food industry, leading to price surcharges at restaurants and adjustments in menus to cope with costs, as evidenced by chains like Waffle House and Denny's implementing additional charges. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that egg prices could rise by over 40% in 2025, exacerbating the ongoing crisis. This situation highlights the contradictions in U.S. trade policies, as the government calls for increased imports while also considering tariffs that could further inflate costs for consumers. The ripple effects of these price hikes are affecting not only households but also local businesses that depend heavily on eggs for their offerings.