The global egg market is facing unprecedented price hikes, driven by the ongoing impact of Avian Influenza. With outbreaks accelerating, egg supply chains are under severe strain, causing egg prices to skyrocket across key markets in the USA and Europe.

Avian Influenza’s Impact on Egg Supply

As reported in January, the USA is experiencing its worst Avian Influenza outbreak in years. In just the past week, over 7 million hens have been affected, drastically reducing egg production. As a result:

  • Retailers have imposed per-person purchase limits.
  • Restaurants are introducing extra charges for eggs.
  • Stricter biosecurity measures are being enforced across farms, including mandatory disinfection protocols.

Despite these efforts, the outbreak shows no signs of slowing down. Avian Influenza is now a global crisis, with Japan facing continued outbreaks since autumn and New Zealand reporting its first-ever case. While vaccinations have been considered, trade restrictions have stalled widespread implementation. With no immediate solution, egg supply shortages are set to worsen.

Rising Egg Prices in Europe: Shell Eggs, Egg Powder, and Liquid Eggs

The European egg market is experiencing significant price increases, with demand far exceeding supply, see Figure below.

Price Comparison graphs for Egg whole liquid caged, eggs caged, eggs barn, and egg white powder for EU in EUR/mt



The most affected categories include:

Shell Egg Prices

  • Shell eggs are now being allocated primarily to retailer contracts, leaving limited availability for wholesalers and industrial buyers.
  • Just weeks ago, enriched cage and barn eggs were readily available. Now, even these lower-cost options are in short supply.
  • Free-range and organic eggs are nearly impossible to source, adding further pressure to the market.

Egg Powder & Egg Liquids

  • Egg powder producers are struggling to fulfill contracts, making bulk purchases increasingly difficult.
  • Liquid egg whites have already seen sharp price increases, with egg white powder prices expected to follow.
  • Egg yolk powders remain in high demand, with prices rising week after week. A potential yolk shortage could soon push liquid yolk and powdered yolk prices to record highs.

Egg Price Outlook

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