The U.S. Egg Crisis: Rising Prices, Market Shortages, and Unprecedented Theft Incidents

The United States is currently grappling with a significant egg shortage, leading to soaring prices and even instances of large-scale theft. This crisis has multifaceted origins and far-reaching implications for consumers, businesses, and the agricultural sector.

Causes of the Egg Shortage

A primary driver of the current egg shortage is the outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. In the last quarter of 2024, approximately 20 million egg-laying hens succumbed to the virus, drastically reducing the nation's egg production capacity.

This reduction in supply has been exacerbated by ongoing supply chain disruptions and increased production costs, creating a perfect storm that has strained the egg market.

Impact on Prices

The diminished supply of eggs has led to a sharp increase in prices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average cost of a dozen Grade A large eggs rose to $4.15 in December 2024, up from $2.51 in December 2023. Experts predict that prices could climb by an additional 20%, potentially reaching nearly $5 per dozen by the end of 2025.

Market Shortages and Consumer Impact

Consumers are feeling the effects of the shortage through empty grocery store shelves and purchasing limits imposed by retailers attempting to manage the scarce supply. The scarcity has also led to increased prices for egg-related products in restaurants and bakeries, further impacting consumers' wallets.

Unprecedented Theft Incidents

The high value of eggs has led to unusual criminal activity. In Pennsylvania, thieves stole approximately 100,000 organic eggs from a warehouse, a haul valued at over $40,000. This incident underscores the severity of the shortage and the lengths to which individuals will go to capitalize on the high market value of eggs.

Business Responses

Businesses are adopting various strategies to cope with the crisis. For instance, Waffle House has implemented a 50-cent surcharge per egg to offset rising costs, a move that has surprised some customers but is deemed necessary by the company. Other establishments are exploring alternative menu items or sourcing eggs from different suppliers to maintain operations.

Looking Ahead

The egg shortage in the U.S. is a complex issue with no immediate resolution in sight. As the industry works to repopulate flocks and stabilize supply chains, consumers and businesses alike will need to adapt to the evolving situation. Monitoring the spread of avian influenza and implementing effective biosecurity measures will be crucial steps toward mitigating the crisis and preventing future occurrences.

Egg Shortage Leads to Rising Prices and Theft Incidents in the U.S.