Egg Prices in the U.S.: Why Are They So High and What Factors Are at Play?

Inflation and Production Costs: The Rising Price of Eggs in the U.S.

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-633-FIN
Published in 03-22-2025

According to recent data, the average price of a dozen eggs in the United States reached a record high of $4.95 in January 2025. In some regions, such as New York and California, prices may exceed $7 or $8 per dozen. Factors such as avian flu, rising chicken feed costs, and general inflation have contributed to this increase.

The price of eggs in the United States is very high in 2025 mainly due to an avian flu (H5N1) outbreak that began in 2022 and continues to severely impact production.

This outbreak has led to the culling of more than 130 million birds, including millions of laying hens, drastically reducing the supply of eggs. When the virus is detected on a farm, authorities require the culling of all nearby birds to prevent its spread. Restocking a farm can take up to five or six months, as new hens take time to start laying eggs. This has created a persistent shortage.

Inelastic demand: The demand for eggs remains high, as they are a basic product with "inelastic demand"?people do not easily stop buying them even if prices rise?pushing costs even higher. In January 2025, the average price of a dozen eggs reached a record $4.95, and in some urban areas like New York or California, prices can exceed $7 or $8. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that prices could increase another 20% during 2025 if the outbreak is not controlled.

Supply and Demand: Keys to Understanding the Egg Market in the United States

Other contributing factors: The rising costs of chicken feed (corn and soybeans), general inflation, and in some states, laws requiring better conditions for hens (such as larger cages), which increase production costs.

Supply chain disruptions: The shortage of truck drivers for transportation also affects egg availability, making them increasingly expensive and harder to find. Some supermarkets have implemented sales rationing, and restaurants have added surcharges on dishes containing eggs.