The impact of bird flu is also being felt in trade

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 02. 14. 11:58

The United States is facing a growing egg shortage as bird flu has decimated the egg population in recent years. More than 100 million laying hens have died since 2022, up from 40 million last year. As a result, egg supplies have shrunk significantly, while prices have risen dramatically, according to Index.

Retail restrictions and price increases

Due to the shortage, several retail chains have imposed restrictions on customers buying up to 12 eggs at a time. According to Bloomberg, some stores don’t even need to do this, as they often run out of stock. The price increase is steep: egg prices rose 14% between November and December, another 15% in January, and the United States Department of Agriculture expects another 20% increase this year. This represents a 55% increase in price in one year, and a triple in five years.

The record egg price was set on February 7, 2024, when the average price of a dozen eggs was $7.34 (about 2,800 HUF), which represented another 10% increase in one week. Food prices are expected to increase further due to supply chain challenges.

Impact on the food industry

The increase in egg prices is affecting several segments of the food industry. The Waffle House chain, which has 2,000 locations across America, has implemented a 50-cent surcharge on eggs. Andy Harig, vice president of the Food Industry Association, said that the Western wildfires, the cold in the Midwest and the ongoing bird flu epidemic will continue to be factors in the coming months.

Bird Flu and Supply Issues

Sharon Linsenbardt, owner of Barn Buddies Rescue and Sanctuary in Las Vegas, said it could take months to replace laying hens killed by bird flu. Bryan Spillane, senior food analyst at Bank of America, said the situation won’t improve until bird flu is contained.