Egg prices in the United States remain stubbornly high despite recent declines, as supply chain shocks from the bird flu epidemic and industry consolidation threaten to keep costs elevated.
At a Glance
- Retail egg prices fell 7.5% month-over-month in May 2025 but remain 41.5% higher than a year ago.
- Wholesale egg prices dropped to $3 per dozen this spring, down from nearly $6 in February.
- Over 111 million birds have been culled due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza since 2022.
- USDA forecasts a 65% surge in farm-level egg prices in 2025.
- Fewer than 60 companies control 87% of US egg production, heightening supply vulnerabilities.
The Price Rollercoaster
For American shoppers, the egg aisle remains a source of sticker shock. After spiking to near $6 per dozen in early 2025, wholesale prices have since retreated to around $3. Yet at retail, the drop has been slower: grocers like Stew Leonard’s still charge nearly $5.99 per dozen, keeping eggs out of reach for many budget-conscious consumers.
The culprit? A devastating outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) that began in 2022 and persisted through 2024, forcing the culling of more than 111 million birds nationwide. This unprecedented loss has left egg supplies tight even as production tries to recover. The USDA warns that farm-level egg prices could still surge by 65% in 2025, reflecting ongoing supply constraints and increased production costs.
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Industry experts note that the structural makeup of US egg production compounds the problem. With over 87% of eggs supplied by fewer than 60 companies, the market is highly concentrated. This means any disruption, like another flu outbreak or logistical hurdle, can have an outsized effect on availability and pricing.
Supply Chain Fragility
Beyond disease, supply chain dynamics play a significant role in price persistence. Feed costs remain high, labor shortages continue to strain operations, and transportation inefficiencies add further expense. As a result, the costs that farmers and producers absorb translate into higher prices for consumers.
Adding to this instability is the industry’s consolidation. When a handful of large producers dominate, diversification is limited, and alternatives for buyers shrink. This scenario creates a market that is both less resilient and more prone to price shocks. According to agricultural analysts, this fragility could make eggs the “canary in the coal mine” for broader food price inflation.
Until structural changes are made or the bird flu threat is decisively controlled, experts believe consumers should brace for continued volatility. Eggs may no longer be the cheap staple they once were, and shoppers will have to adjust to a new normal in the dairy aisle.
