Egg Prices Drop Sharply Amid Ongoing Market Risks

U.S. retail egg prices fell by 12.7% in April 2025 to $5.12 per dozen, marking the first monthly decline since October 2024 after peaking at $6.23 in March. The drop is attributed to recovering egg-laying flocks following avian flu losses, a seasonal decrease in demand after Easter, and a slowdown in new bird flu outbreaks. Prices remain approximately 79% higher than a year ago due to ongoing supply shortfalls from the culling of over 169 million birds since 2022. The high prices have contributed to grocery inflation, but April also saw a slight easing in overall grocery costs. Federal responses now include tariff pauses, USDA investments, and increased imports of egg products to stabilize the market. The Department of Justice is investigating potential price collusion among major egg producers, and further avian flu outbreaks remain a risk for future price volatility.