In the United States, the average price for a dozen industry eggs is $0.086 according to the USDA in week 14. Prices for wholesalers are below $0.40 per dozen. Prices have dropped by over 10 times in a year. Additionally, the seasonal drop in demand is just beginning, indicating a continued downturn. It is worth noting that as the egg industry in the United States is transitioning, demand is shifting away from alternative eggs due to the challenging economic situation with the Middle East conflict.
These spot prices are below production costs, which have increased due to biosecurity measures. However, farmers are struggling to decide on reforms despite the challenges in re-establishing pullets.
Consumer egg prices have dropped by 60% compared to Easter 2025, as reported by the American press.
Rebound in US Egg Production
Egg stocks exceed last year’s levels by 20%. Implementations have been accelerated after last year’s avian flu crisis, and farms are in full production. More pullets were introduced last year than ever since the start of the avian flu in 2022 in the U.S. Importing a billion eggs, facilitated by the Trump administration, has also boosted the recovery.
Nevertheless, the USDA reports the culling of 15.2 million hens due to avian flu in 2026 (up to the first week of April), including 13 million caged hens. 7.8% of caged flocks and 1.8% of conventionally raised hens in alternative farming have been lost since the beginning of the year. However, USDA counted 9 million laying hens in production more than a year ago in March.
Shipping Egg Products to the European Union
The United States has been exporting egg products to the European Union recently. According to USDA data, shipments of whole egg powder to Denmark (which accounted for over a third of U.S. exports in March), egg white powder to Italy, Spain, and Denmark. Significant shipments of liquid egg white were recorded to Ireland in December and January. Italy ranked as the third-largest buyer of U.S. egg products in January-February, behind Japan and Mexico. Denmark was 5th, Ireland 7th, and Spain 8th. There were no direct shipments to France.
Constraints on Shipping US Shell Eggs to the EU
While egg product flows exist to the EU, shell egg flows have not started. According to industry operators, negotiations are ongoing with European manufacturers due to price differentials. However, logistics pose a real constraint. Eggs from Midwest farms are shipped by train to Atlantic ports before crossing by boat, raising concerns about the product’s condition and shelf life. American eggs are packed in carton trays, while European egg processors have automated and prefer plastic trays.
