With egg supplies falling due to the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), the burden on consumers is growing. The price of a tray of domestic eggs has surpassed 7,400 won, and in some regions it has risen to nearly 8,000 won.
As price instability continues, big-box retailers are enforcing a "one tray per person" purchase limit on eggs eligible for government discount support, and the government is also stepping up supply stabilization measures, including bringing in Brazilian eggs for the first time.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on the 7th, as of the 4th, the average retail price for 30 domestic extra-large eggs was 7,440 won. That is 5.7% higher than 7,037 won in the same period last year and 6.5% higher compared with the normal-year price of 6,986 won.
There were also wide regional price gaps. Gyeonggi had the highest egg prices, with the average price for 30 domestic extra-large eggs reaching 7,957 won. That is more than 500 won above the national average. Jeju and Gangwon also showed relatively high price ranges. In contrast, Daegu was the lowest nationwide at 6,727 won, and South Gyeongsang and Seoul also had relatively low prices. The price difference between the most expensive Gyeonggi and the cheapest Daegu reached 1,230 won.
Analysts say egg prices are likely to remain elevated for the time being. The number of laying hens has decreased due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic AI last winter, and the pace of supply recovery is slower than expected.
The government expects egg production to return to last year's level only after July, when the laying-hen production base recovers, with prices gradually stabilizing as well. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the recent import of 17 million hatching eggs is increasing chick placements. From January to April, chick placements rose 14.4% from a year earlier.
With the burden of egg prices growing, the retail sector has begun managing volumes. Major big-box retailers such as E-MART and Lotte Mart are enforcing a "one tray per person" limit through the 10th on select 30-egg extra-large products covered by discounts supported by the agriculture ministry. Traders is also limiting purchases to a maximum of two trays per customer depending on store inventory.
Moves to bring in imported eggs are also expanding. Homeplus Co. has been selling Thai and U.S. eggs since April, and Lotte Super introduced U.S. eggs last month. E-MART and Lotte Mart are also considering selling fresh Thai eggs.
The government is also broadening import sources. In addition to the existing U.S. and Thai supplies, the agriculture ministry plans to import Brazilian eggs as well, bringing in a total of 20 million. This is the first time Brazilian eggs will be imported. As of the 1st, 8.99 million imported eggs had entered Korea, including 5.62 million from the United States and 3.37 million from Thailand.
Discount support to reduce consumer burdens will also be extended. The government has decided to continue a policy that discounts 1,500 won per tray of eggs through the 1st of next month. In addition, through the 10th, it will continue discount support for 10 key agricultural and livestock items including eggs, rice, beef, and pork, and will increase the volumes subject to tariff quotas on chicken and pork to help stabilize livestock supply.