"Only One Tray Per Person"... Egg Supply Emergency Amid AI Outbreak

Fresh Egg Shelves at Supermarkets Left Empty

Retail Price for 30 Premium Eggs Reaches 7,378 Won

Imported Egg Sales Expand, Heat Wave Remains a Key Factor

"Due to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), egg supply is unstable, and purchases are limited to one tray per person."

On the evening of the 31st of last month, around 6:30 p.m., a notice with this message was posted at the egg section of Emart Traders. The display shelves, which should have been stocked with fresh eggs, were completely empty, with only a few packs of processed smoked eggs remaining. A sign was placed in front of the display to inform customers of the supply shortage caused by the AI outbreak.

Egg supply disruptions caused by AI are intensifying concerns over supply and demand instability. Over the past month, egg prices have risen by nearly 6%, prompting some major supermarkets to implement purchase restrictions.

According to food industry statistics from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) as of June 2, the average consumer price for 30 domestic premium eggs was 7,378 won as of the 31st of last month. This is an increase of 5.9% compared to the previous month (6,969 won) and 5.0% compared to the same period last year (7,028 won). Egg prices started near 7,000 won in early May and surged further in the latter half of the month. At one point, prices exceeded 7,600 won. Although there has been a slight correction recently, prices remain high.

The fresh egg display at the Traders store in downtown Seoul was empty around 6:30 p.m. on the 31st of last month. Photo by Hanjeju

The industry cites supply shortages as the main cause of this price increase. Since last winter, more than 11 million laying hens have been culled due to the spread of highly pathogenic AI. This figure accounts for about 14% of the nation's entire flock of laying hens. After culling, it takes several months to replenish chicks and resume egg production, so a recovery in supply requires time.

There are also concerns that supply instability may worsen in the future. This is because the possibility of a record-breaking heatwave this summer is being discussed. Chickens are particularly vulnerable to heat; as temperatures rise, their feed intake decreases and egg-laying rates decline. In fact, during the heatwave in August last year, the consumer price of eggs soared to around 7,400 won. Recent prices have also reached similar levels.

To stabilize supply and demand, the government has moved to increase imports of eggs. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that it would import an additional 20 million fresh eggs from the United States, Thailand, and other countries during June and July to supplement domestic shortages. This will cover about 36% of the shortage during this period.

The distribution industry is also expanding the sale of imported eggs. Homeplus sold out approximately 46,000 trays of fresh eggs from Thailand between April 19 and May 7. Starting from the 18th of last month, the company has been selling U.S. fresh eggs at 5,990 won per tray (30 eggs). Lotte Super is also selling U.S. eggs at the same price, and Emart is preparing to introduce Thai eggs as well.

However, the industry points out that while imported eggs can temporarily stabilize supply, they are not a fundamental solution. The volume of imports is limited compared to the size of the domestic egg market, and there are also limitations in terms of freshness and consumer preference. Ultimately, industry observers stress that restoring the domestic laying hen population is essential for stabilizing prices in the long term.

A distribution industry official said, "Currently, the supply from production areas has decreased due to the impact of AI," adding, "If the summer heatwave intensifies, egg-laying rates may drop further, so prices are likely to remain higher than usual for the time being."

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