U.S. Egg Prices Reach Record High Despite Drop in Wholesale Costs

Retail egg prices in the United States rose to a record high of $6.23 per dozen last month, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report released Thursday.

The increase comes despite a recent decline in wholesale egg prices and no new outbreaks of avian influenza among egg-laying flocks.

The continued rise in prices surprised many industry experts, who had anticipated relief at the consumer level following the wholesale price drop in mid-March.

However, agricultural economist Jada Thompson of the University of Arkansas noted that the decrease may have come too late in the month to significantly impact March’s retail pricing data. Additionally, grocery stores may not have immediately adjusted their prices to reflect the lower wholesale costs.

Egg demand typically remains elevated through the Easter holiday, which falls on April 20 this year. As a result, prices may remain high in the near term despite broader market shifts.

The last time egg prices were this high I recall the Right declaring it a national emergency. pic.twitter.com/iyr8kjDDqy

— 𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕖_𝔾𝕦𝕣𝕝 (@SundaeDivine) April 10, 2025