Koo Yoon-cheol Responds to AI Concerns: "2.24 Million Fresh Eggs to Be Imported and Supplied This Month"

Ministerial Meeting on the People’s Economy Held

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance Koo Yoon-cheol announced on the 7th, "We will immediately begin the import procedures for 2.24 million fresh eggs, supply them to the market within this month, and, depending on the supply and demand situation, also pursue a reduction in egg delivery prices."

At the Ministerial Meeting on the People’s Economy held at the Government Complex Seoul on this day, Deputy Prime Minister Koo stated, "We will respond proactively to the increasing culling of laying hens due to the recent spread of avian influenza (AI)." He added, "We will also import more than 7 million hatching eggs for broiler chickens (broiler breeding eggs) to expand the supply of chicken meat."

Regarding measures to stabilize seafood prices, Deputy Prime Minister Koo said, "Starting January 8, we will provide up to a 60% discount on mackerel, which has seen high prices, and pursue diversification of import sources." He continued, "We will also expand the release of seafood reserves in processed product form to enable immediate sales when reserves are released."

Koo Yoonchul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, is presiding over and speaking at the 'Ministerial Meeting on the People’s Economy' held on the 7th at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul. (Photo by Ministry of Strategy and Finance)

He went on to say, "Next week, we will announce measures to improve the distribution structure of livestock products, including plans to enhance distribution efficiency and promote competition," adding, "We will make every effort to structurally stabilize the prices of essential food items for the public."

Deputy Prime Minister Koo stated, "The government will strive to make 2026 the first year of a 'great economic leap,' marking a turning point for a rebound in potential growth and improvement in polarization.""To prioritize the people’s economy as a key policy task starting this year, we have established the Ministerial Meeting on the People’s Economy," he said.

He emphasized, "To ensure stability in the livelihoods of the people, we will mobilize all government capabilities and prepare sector-specific response measures for price stability, jobs as the starting point of income, and welfare as the safety net of life, all of which are directly linked to the lives of the people."