BRUSSELS — While Europe experiences a relative stabilization in egg prices, the United States faces soaring costs as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to address shortages. This situation unfolds as the average price of eggs in the European Union shows a modest increase, according to the latest data from Eurostat.
European egg prices show mixed trends
As reported, egg prices within the EU rose by an average of 6.7 percent in March compared to the same month last year. Although this marks a notable increase, it pales in comparison to the dramatic price hikes seen in previous years. The recent uptick, while significant, is being tempered by a variety of national circumstances across the bloc.
The report highlights stark disparities among EU member states. For instance, Czechia witnessed a staggering 46 percent increase in egg prices from the previous year, while Slovakia and Hungary experienced rises of 30 percent and 26 percent, respectively. In contrast, several countries reported price reductions, with the Netherlands seeing a decrease of 3.6 percent, Luxembourg down by 3.2 percent, and Greece experiencing a 2 percent drop.
U.S. egg prices soar amid health crisis
In stark contrast, the U.S. is currently contending with a severe outbreak of avian influenza, leading to the culling of millions of laying hens. As a result, egg prices surged to an unprecedented high of $6.23 per dozen in March. Responding to this crisis, Trump expressed his frustration on social media, claiming that egg prices were declining, despite the data indicating a January price of $4.90 per dozen before President Joe Biden took office.
“Oil prices are down, groceries (even eggs!) are down, and the USA is getting RICH ON TARIFFS,” Trump lamented, criticizing the U.S. Federal Reserve for failing to lower interest rates as the European Central Bank had done.
This ongoing divergence in egg prices highlights the complexities of agricultural economics and the varying impacts of health crises on food supply chains across the Atlantic.