• Egg prices are predicted to increase by over 20% in 2025 amidst continued disruptions from bird flu.
• The avian influenza outbreak has impacted more than 136 million poultry in the U.S., significantly reducing supply.
• Despite claims from the current administration that prices will come down soon, experts expect further volatility in egg pricing.
• Retailers have begun limiting the number of egg cartons consumers can purchase due to soaring demand and decreased supply.

Egg prices across the United States are projected to rise sharply in the coming year, driven primarily by the ongoing bird flu outbreak that has negatively impacted poultry supplies. According to the Forbes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts that egg prices will jump more than 20% in 2025, a stark contrast to the 2.2% anticipated increase for overall food costs.

This surge in egg prices is not sudden; as reported by USA Today, egg prices had already climbed 36.8% year-over-year by December 2024, with a dozen large, Grade A eggs costing approximately $4.15—up from just $2.52 at the beginning of that year. Influencing these price hikes is the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has led to the culling of over 145 million birds since its emergence in early 2022, tightening the market supply significantly.

The scope of the current bird flu crisis is staggering, affecting poultry across all 50 states, and forcing farmers to eliminate entire flocks to curb the disease's spread. The ongoing outbreak has led to severe shortages, impacting not only eggs but potentially the broader food supply landscape.

Despite assurances from Vice President JD Vance that prices will eventually decline, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. In an interview, Vance indicated that the current administration has made promises to control food prices, but these have yet to materialize. Retailers have started implementing purchase limits on eggs in response to heightened consumer demand and restricted supply levels, with stores like Lidl and Market Basket capping purchases to ensure fair distribution.

As the market evolves, consumers will likely continue to face elevated egg prices driven not only by supply chain difficulties but also by broader market volatility stemming from the persistent bird flu threat. Experts highlight that without a significant turnaround in the health of poultry stocks, the journey to stabilization in egg pricing may be prolonged. Emily Metz from the American Egg Board encapsulated the sentiment, stating, “bird flu remains an ongoing threat to our egg farms, and egg farmers are working around the clock to protect their birds."

In summary, with the dual pressures of bird flu and escalating inflation, the economic outlook for egg prices remains grim, suggesting that consumers may need to brace themselves for further increases throughout 2025.

For further details on the current egg price dynamics and insights into the agricultural economy, you can read more from Forbes and USA Today.