Egg Prices Drop: Trump Claims Victory, But Where Are the Savings for Consumers?

Egg Prices Drop at Wholesale, But Consumers See Little Relief

Egg prices have seen a significant drop at the wholesale level, with President Donald Trump and his administration touting it as a victory for American consumers. However, despite the sharp decline in what distributors pay, grocery store prices remain high, leaving shoppers wondering when they will see savings at the checkout. ALEX HICKS JR./SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL / USA TODAY NETWORK

Trump Declares Victory Over High Egg Prices

“When I took it over, eggs were through the roof, and now eggs are down,” President Donald Trump stated aboard Air Force One on Sunday, emphasizing his administration's role in addressing inflation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this sentiment, citing a “47% decrease” in wholesale egg prices since January 24.

“Wholesale egg prices, they continue to fall. A dozen eggs are now $3.10 cheaper since January 24,” Leavitt said at a Monday press briefing. “So I think the American people do have great reason to be optimistic about this economy.” GREG LOVETT/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wholesale Prices Fall, But Retail Prices Rise

Despite the drop in wholesale costs, retail egg prices remain stubbornly high. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that wholesale egg prices have fallen to $4.15 per dozen, a 30% decrease from last week's $6.85 per dozen. However, consumers are paying an average of $5.90 per dozen, which is $0.94 higher than last month.

Grocery stores may be keeping prices high to compensate for previous weeks of lower profits, according to Kevin Bergquist of Wells Fargo’s Agri-Food Institute. In an email to CNN, Bergquist stated: “There exists a disconnect between wholesale egg prices and retail egg prices for consumers,” he said. “Each grocer makes independent egg pricing decisions based upon its own business goals.” Tom Kisken / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Factors Behind the Declining Wholesale Prices

The USDA attributes the drop in wholesale prices to decreased demand and fewer cases of avian flu. Consumers, unwilling to pay exorbitant prices, reduced their egg purchases, contributing to the decline in prices. Additionally, the U.S. has received 827,000 dozen eggs from Mexico and Turkey, helping to stabilize supply.

While the Trump administration has credited its $1 billion avian flu response plan for improving egg prices, experts note that the plan was only announced on February 28, when prices were already in decline. The virus has devastated egg-laying flocks, killing 127 million birds since 2022. Shannon Marvel McNaught / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Easter and Avian Flu: What’s Next for Egg Prices?

With Easter and Passover occurring later this year, demand is expected to rise as families purchase eggs for holiday traditions. However, spring migration season also poses a risk of renewed avian flu outbreaks, as wild birds are the biggest transmitters of the virus to commercial flocks.

“People are likely to buy eggs no matter the cost because it’s an Easter tradition. So right now consumers may be saving their egg money for another week or two,” Bergquist noted.

For now, shoppers may have to wait longer before they see relief at grocery store checkout lines. Doral Chenoweth / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images