The government plans to import 4.71 million fresh eggs to stabilize prices. The move comes amid concerns about unstable supply as highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) spreads and ahead of school meal demand for the new semester and the Easter peak season.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation, as of on the 4th, a flat (30 eggs) of extra-large eggs cost 6,852 won, up 4.7% from a year earlier (6,544 won) and 5.6% from the average year (6,489 won). This is believed to be because the current average daily egg production is 47.56 million, 5.8% lower than a year ago.
An official at the ministry said, "Due to the occurrence of highly pathogenic AI, a cumulative 9.26 million laying hens had been culled as of on the 3rd," and noted, "Considering that this is when migratory birds begin moving north in earnest, there is a possibility of additional cases."
The ministry plans to supply 4.71 million imported fresh eggs to the market to cover part of the domestic shortfall, including 3.36 million this month and 1.35 million next month. The imported fresh eggs will be supplied to large discount chains and small and medium distributors after gauging interest. The ministry said, "We will review additional imports depending on future supply and demand conditions."