Empty shelves in Austria, Germany and parts of France are revealing structural supply tightness across the EU egg market. Avian influenza-related culls have removed millions of laying hens from production, while slow restocking cycles and cross-border trade restrictions are amplifying local shortages.

The supply pressure is not limited to isolated retail issues. Countries with high self-sufficiency rates are experiencing availability gaps, particularly in specific sizes and categories. Restocking remains constrained by biosecurity rules, preventing rapid recovery of production capacity.

Cross-border trade disruptions worsen regional imbalances

Avian influenza controls are preventing eggs from moving freely within the EU, despite no veterinary risk in many cases. Surveillance zones, particularly in the Netherlands, are blocking shipments and distorting normal trade patterns. The effect is uneven availability and heightened competition for unrestricted supply across member states.

Transport disruptions in early January, including snowfall that blocked roads in many regions, temporarily slowed deliveries from farms to retail outlets. These logistics bottlenecks contributed to empty shelves even where production was unaffected.

Germany sees sharp price increases across the value chain

Retail egg prices in Germany are up around 25% year-on-year, reflecting higher feed, labor and compliance costs alongside genuine scarcity. The price increases are occurring unevenly across the value chain, with competition for available supply intensifying.

In egg products, weaker demand is pushing most liquid egg prices lower, while free-range egg yolk remains firm due to constrained availability. Production ahead of Easter has already begun as processors prepare for seasonal demand.

Global suppliers shift toward European markets

The price gap between the EU and the rest of the world has made long-distance imports economically viable despite logistics costs. EU processors are receiving offers from Turkey, Ukraine and Brazil for Q1 2026 deliveries, marking a clear change in trade flows driven by market necessity rather than policy.

The Mercosur agreement is opening the European market to South American eggs by reducing tariffs and simplifying imports. Although approved by EU member states in December 2024 and signed by the European Commission, the deal faces significant hurdles. The European Parliament has requested a review by the European Court of Justice, which could delay full implementation by one to two years. Commercial offers for 2026 deliveries are already circulating, though Mercosur eggs are not yet a guaranteed solution for EU supply gaps.

Food industry adjusts egg usage in response to constraints

Food processors and the restaurant sector are reducing or substituting eggs in recipes where possible. Fine dining and gourmet establishments are increasingly turning to specialized suppliers or adjusting menus to manage costs, while larger food manufacturers are moderating production or reformulating products.

Outlook for procurement managers

With Easter production underway and ongoing supply losses from HPAI-related culls, the EU egg market remains under significant pressure. While demand from the horeca sector may ease slightly, consumer and retail demand remain strong. Although prices have eased somewhat since their mid-December peak, they remain well above historical averages. The anticipated Q1 relief is unlikely to materialize given persistent shortages in Western European retail.

Potential openings from the Mercosur agreement and the EU pre-listing system for Brazilian exporters could provide additional supply, but political opposition and legal challenges make the timing of imports uncertain. For buyers, this translates into continued competition for shell eggs and uneven availability across specific egg product categories.


This article is part of a more comprehensire egg market analysis. For the full market analysis, visit: https://app.vespertool.com/market-analysis/2619