It marks one of the steepest declines in the U.S. food market since 2023. The fall comes after prices soared earlier this year amid supply shortages and bird flu outbreaks that disrupted millions of laying hens nationwide.
In March 2025, the average retail price of a dozen Grade A eggs hit $6.23, before slipping to $5.12 in April, based on USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) data. Wholesale prices, meanwhile, reacted faster — diving as production rebounded and supply chains stabilized.
Experts say the market correction reflects a sharp recovery in supply and cooling consumer demand.
With poultry farms rebuilding flocks and feed costs easing, distributors are now facing an oversupply situation.
Economists estimate that retail shelves could soon reflect the drop, but with a lag. Supermarket egg prices are expected to range between $2 and $3 per dozen through late 2025, depending on regional demand and transportation costs.
“Wholesale prices have normalized quickly, but the retail adjustment takes time,” said analysts at the USDA ERS.
They added that, unless a new wave of avian influenza hits, egg prices are likely to remain stable through winter. For millions of American households still struggling with inflation, the dramatic fall in egg rates offers rare relief.
Eggs, which had become a symbol of rising grocery costs, are finally showing signs of stabilization — a clear signal that U.S. food inflation is cooling.
How much have egg prices really fallen?
In March 2025, wholesale benchmark prices for large white eggs touched about $8.20 per dozen, driven by tight supply and rising feed costs.
By October 18, 2025, prices collapsed to $1.1548 per dozen, marking the steepest drop since 2023.
Retail prices, however, haven’t fallen as sharply. According to USDA ERS, the average shelf price for Grade A eggs in grocery stores was around $5.12 per dozen in April 2025, down from $6.23 in March. That’s an 18% retail decline, compared to a much larger drop in wholesale prices.
Why are egg prices falling so fast now?
Economists say the fall is driven by a recovery in supply and easing costs across the poultry sector. After the avian flu outbreak earlier this year wiped out millions of laying hens, production has now rebounded. Flock numbers have stabilized, easing the shortage that drove prices to record highs.
At the same time, demand has softened as inflation-weary shoppers shifted to cheaper protein options like chicken or beans.
With supermarkets holding more inventory and fewer supply disruptions, wholesale prices corrected sharply.
What experts and data show
- Wholesale benchmark: $1.15 per dozen (USDA AMS, Oct 2025)
- Peak price: $8.20 per dozen (Feb–Mar 2025)
- Retail average: $5.12 per dozen (April 2025, USDA ERS)
- Drop: ~86% wholesale decline since March
Economists note that egg prices tend to move faster in the wholesale market than in retail. Retail prices lag behind because of packaging, transport, and retailer markups.
US egg prices have seen sharp ups and downs in the last year, driven by supply shocks, seasonal demand, and avian flu impacts. Prices surged to record highs around March 2025, hitting $8.17 per dozen due to bird flu outbreaks wiping out hens, reducing supply drastically. By April, prices started falling for the first time in months, dropping 12.7% from March’s peak to about $5.12, reflecting easing supply constraints and softened demand post-Easter.
Meanwhile, wholesale prices plummeted over 20% from February to March. Despite this drop, prices remained nearly 79% above the year-ago level. Consumers cut back on egg purchases amid these high prices, causing sales to decline 11% year-over-year by March. Retailers even limited purchases to prevent hoarding.
Through summer 2025, egg prices fluctuated with ongoing bird flu risks and variable inventories. By October 2025, prices crashed further to approximately $1.15 per dozen, marking an 86% plunge since March’s high. This decline is due mainly to soaring inventories reaching yearly highs and seasonal demand shifts as the market stabilizes.
What’s next for consumers?
Experts expect egg prices to remain stable through the winter unless another bird flu outbreak disrupts production. Wholesale prices may stay close to $1.10–$1.30 per dozen, while retail prices could average $2–$3 at supermarkets in the coming months.
However, market volatility could return if feed costs rise or export demand spikes.
For now, American consumers are finally seeing relief after one of the most expensive years for eggs in U.S. history.
Egg prices in the U.S. have crashed dramatically in 2025, down 86% from their March peak. While wholesale prices show deep cuts, grocery store prices remain higher due to lag effects.
The turnaround reflects improved supply, stable production, and lower input costs — offering a welcome break for households still battling inflation.