Egg prices in the United States have seen a significant spike, with a reported increase of 28.1% in August 2023 compared to the previous year, marking the largest rise among food items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics [f3b7b165]. This surge is largely attributed to the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has affected nearly 101 million birds across 48 states since January 2022 [f3b7b165]. Consequently, total egg production has declined by 2.6% year-over-year as of July 2023 [f3b7b165].
In early 2023, the average price for a dozen Grade A large eggs reached $4.82, while the current average stands at $3.20 per dozen, still nearly double the prices seen before the pandemic [f3b7b165]. States experiencing the highest price increases include Minnesota, which has seen a staggering 137% rise, followed by Missouri at 123% and Iowa at 116% [f3b7b165]. Overall, egg prices have surged by 83% since October 2019 [f3b7b165].
The consolidation within the egg industry has exacerbated the situation, with a few large producers dominating the market. Cal-Maine Foods, for instance, controls about 20% of national sales [f3b7b165]. This reliance on a limited number of producers raises concerns about price stability, especially for lower-income families who are disproportionately affected by rising food costs [f3b7b165]. Analysts warn that if the bird flu outbreak continues, prices may keep climbing, further straining consumers [f3b7b165].
In a political context, JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, has recently claimed that egg prices rose from $1.50 to $4 due to policies implemented by Kamala Harris. This statement was made during a campaign event in Reading, Pennsylvania, where Vance pointed out that eggs were priced at $2.99 behind him [3f4e0220]. He emphasized that grocery prices have increased by 25% over the past four years, a sentiment echoed by 52% of Americans who feel worse off than they did four years ago [3f4e0220].
The average egg price was $1.60 when Trump took office, but it peaked at $4.82 during Biden's administration, reflecting an 84% increase in egg prices [3f4e0220]. With 35 million Americans relying on eggs as a primary source of protein, the perception of economic management is crucial for voters as the 2024 election approaches. Trump's recent campaign visits aim to reinforce his image as a man of the people, especially in light of these rising food costs [3f4e0220].