In a welcome turn of events for consumers, wholesale egg prices have seen a notable drop, providing some relief in an otherwise challenging market. As of April 2, 2025, the price for a dozen eggs has fallen to $3.00, marking a 9% decrease from the previous week, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This decline comes amid reports of fewer avian flu cases and a reduction in consumer demand, which has allowed retailers to restock their shelves more effectively.
Despite this recent dip in wholesale prices, the overall cost of eggs remains significantly higher than it was a year ago. The consumer price index reveals that egg prices are still nearly 59% more expensive compared to the same time last year, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the poultry market.
President Donald Trump recently commented on the situation during a speech, claiming that egg prices have dropped by 59%. He praised Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for her efforts, stating, “Secretary of Agriculture, great job you did on eggs. Now we have lots of eggs, and they’re much cheaper—down about 59% now—and they’re going down further.” Trump’s remarks, however, appear to misrepresent the current situation, as the USDA’s report clearly indicates a 9% decrease in wholesale prices, not the dramatic drop he suggested.
In his speech, Trump reflected on the prior challenges faced in the egg market, recalling, “They said, ‘Eggs have gone up like 250%, and you can’t get eggs.’ And they were going crazy.” He noted the efforts made to stabilize the market, adding that the supply situation at grocery stores has improved significantly, allowing consumers to find fully stocked shelves once again.
Stew Leonard Jr., owner of the Stew Leonard’s grocery store chain, corroborated the USDA’s findings, stating, “We’re back to low price eggs again. There seems to be plenty of supply.” He mentioned that farmers in Pennsylvania are repopulating their flocks of egg-laying hens, which is contributing to the increase in production levels.
However, experts caution that it may take some time for these wholesale price reductions to be reflected at the retail level. The USDA noted, “Only now starting to see shelf prices slowly decline.” This means that while wholesale prices are decreasing, consumers may not see the benefits immediately in their grocery bills.
In February 2025, the average retail price for eggs was approximately $5.90 per dozen, a stark contrast to the current wholesale price. The recent price drop is largely attributed to the combination of improved supply conditions and a decrease in demand as consumers have adjusted their purchasing habits in response to previously high prices.
As the situation develops, the USDA continues to monitor the egg market closely. Their reports indicate that the demand from egg product manufacturers remains light, allowing suppliers to build their inventories without facing significant pressure from consumers.
In summary, while the recent decline in wholesale egg prices offers a glimmer of hope for consumers, the overall pricing landscape remains complicated. The significant year-over-year increase in prices and the time lag in retail price adjustments suggest that shoppers may need to remain patient before fully benefiting from the current market changes.
