"Stocks but these days it's better to just eat out"… US Eggs Become 'Gold' Due to Price Surge

Avian Influenza Continues to Spread
"Trump Fails to Control Prices," Criticism Mounts

Egg prices are soaring in the United States due to the spread of avian influenza.

On the 4th (local time), NBC reported citing statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor that the average retail price of Grade A large eggs reached $4.15 in December last year. This is the highest level in 1 year and 10 months since $4.21 in February 2023. According to data from the consumer research group Nicheu, the price of a dozen eggs in January this year rose sharply to $5.29 compared to the previous year. In February last year, they were sold for about $3.50.

Photo unrelated to the article. Pixabay

Economists and market analysts cite avian influenza as the main reason for the price surge. The U.S. Department of Agriculture culled 13.2 million laying hens in December last year alone, but the spread of avian influenza continued last month as well. In particular, it is known that egg prices mainly surge in winter as wild migratory birds spread the avian influenza virus to farms during their winter migration.

As this egg shortage occurs, some restaurants in the U.S. are charging extra fees for menu items containing eggs. New York State Attorney General Letitia James mentioned consumer harm and criticized, "Although avian influenza is affecting poultry farms and causing a nationwide shortage, companies should not sharply raise prices." A resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota also expressed outrage, saying, "Eggs used to be our staple food, but now it's just better to buy them outside," calling it "no different from robbery."

Some have suggested that the egg price surge could cause political problems for President Donald Trump. Trump has previously criticized, saying, "The Biden administration is failing to control high grocery prices." He also promised to lower grocery prices on his first day in office. However, as this situation unfolded, the Democratic Party sharply criticized, saying, "President Trump is not fulfilling his promise to immediately lower prices."