US Egg Prices Hit Record High

U.S. egg prices reached a new record-high of $6.23 per dozen in March, despite predictions from Donald Trump, a drop in wholesale prices, and no new bird flu outbreaks on egg farms. This increase, reported in the Consumer Price Index, means consumers and businesses in the United States will not see immediate relief. Industry experts had expected a drop in retail prices, but wholesale prices only began falling mid-March, and grocery stores have not yet passed on the savings. Bird flu outbreaks, which led to the culling of over 168 million birds, primarily egg-laying chickens, are cited as the main cause of previous price spikes. Farms are slowly resuming production, but the process is slower than anticipated. Cal-Maine, a major egg supplier, is being investigated by the United States — United States Department of Justice's antitrust division for price increases, even as it reported significantly higher net income and revenue. The high prices have also led some consumers to opt for plastic eggs for Easter crafts.