Egg Prices High Due to Avian Influenza Now Declining After Discount Support

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Holds Supply and Demand Monitoring Meeting

Egg prices, which had been higher than both the previous year and the year before due to concerns over the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), have started to decline following the implementation of discount support measures.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on February 3 that, under the leadership of Policy Chief Park Junghoon, a supply-demand monitoring meeting was held the previous day at the Government Complex Sejong. The meeting reviewed the status of key items such as rice, napa cabbage, apples, and eggs, as well as items with recent supply concerns, and discussed response measures.

A customer is purchasing eggs at a large supermarket in Seoul. Photo by The Asia Business Daily Database

The monitoring found that vegetable supply conditions are sufficient and prices remain low. The ministry expects prices to remain stable for the time being. However, due to cold waves and insufficient sunlight, prices of some greenhouse crops such as Cheongyang chili peppers and lettuce have temporarily increased. Nevertheless, as the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that the average temperature in February will be similar to or higher than usual, shipment volumes are expected to recover.

Apple prices remain high due to reduced production and a decrease in large-sized apples. To encourage alternative consumption, the ministry is doubling the supply of items with ample stock such as grapes and tangerines, as well as small and medium-sized apple gift sets compared to the previous year. In addition, since last week, 1,500 tons of designated shipment volumes have been supplied through Garak Market.

Domestic fruits are being supplied stably, but prices of imported fruits have risen due to high exchange rates. For bananas, pineapples, and mangoes—three fruits with high domestic consumption—the ministry has completed an application for a quota tariff reduction (from 30% to 5%), and these products are expected to be supplied to the market after mid-February.

Egg prices began to decline after a maximum 40% discount support was implemented. The price for a carton of 30 premium-grade eggs is now 7,201 won, down 0.3% from the previous week. Fresh eggs imported on a trial basis have been sold at 5,900 won through retailers such as Homeplus since January 31.

Policy Chief Park Junghoon stated, "Although there have been price fluctuations in some items due to the recent cold wave and livestock epidemics, the overall supply and demand situation remains stable. We will continue to closely monitor weather conditions and take necessary measures as needed."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.