Egg prices have risen 11.5% compared to the previous year, with the average price of a carton exceeding 7,000 won, causing a surge in 'table prices.' The photo shows the egg display at a large supermarket in Seoul on the 10th. 2025.06.10 Photo by XXX
The Fair Trade Commission has launched a formal investigation after suspecting that the Korea Egg Producers Association recently led the surge in egg prices.
According to industry sources on June 16, the Fair Trade Commission has dispatched investigators to three locations, including the headquarters of the Egg Producers Association and its Gyeonggi and Chungnam branches, to conduct on-site inspections on suspicion of violating the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act.
It is reported that Fair Trade Commission investigators, carrying official documents stating the investigation is for possible violations of Article 51 of the Fair Trade Act, are securing related documents and email records at the headquarters and branch offices.
The investigation is focused on whether the Egg Producers Association effectively led the increase in egg prices by forcing its member companies to comply with the posted prices.
The Egg Producers Association is a non-profit organization established in 2022 to promote the development of the egg-laying and breeding industry and to improve the rights and interests of its members. The egg farm price posted by the association has risen by about 30%, from 146 won per egg in March to 190 won recently. The current farm price is 6.0% higher than a year ago and 4.2% higher than the average year.
If the association forced its members to follow the posted price, this could constitute a prohibited act by a business association under the Fair Trade Act. A Fair Trade Commission official stated, "We cannot confirm details about an ongoing investigation."
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