Egg prices in South Korea have climbed back above the equivalent of $5.30 per carton, adding pressure to household food costs as outbreaks of avian influenza lead to large-scale culling of laying hens.
According to data from the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation, the average retail price of a standard 30-egg carton rose above the $5.30 level last week. Prices had remained closer to the low-$4 range since last month before rebounding in recent weeks.
As of Sunday, average prices were about 0.8% higher than a year earlier and more than 8% above the seasonal average, reflecting tightening market conditions.
Wholesale prices have also moved higher. Farm-gate prices for a 30-egg carton are now estimated at around $3.95, roughly 8.5% higher than both last year and long-term averages, according to data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation.
Egg prices are rising faster than broader livestock inflation. Government data show that egg prices increased 7.3% year over year last month, outpacing the overall livestock product inflation rate of 5.3%.
The renewed price pressure comes amid growing concerns over supply disruptions. During the current winter season, South Korea has recorded 11 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza at laying-hen farms — nearly double the number reported during the same period last year.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said approximately 3 million laying hens have been culled so far. South Korea typically produces about 50 million eggs per day, and the culling is estimated to have reduced daily output by 3% to 4%.
Despite the outbreaks, the ministry said egg supplies remain stable for now. Officials noted that earlier price increases encouraged farmers to expand chick placements, resulting in production this month exceeding seasonal averages and remaining broadly in line with last year’s levels.
However, authorities warned that supply conditions could deteriorate quickly. If cumulative culling surpasses 5 million hens, daily egg production could decline by around 3 million eggs, according to government estimates.
New avian influenza cases continue to emerge across multiple regions, prompting heightened biosecurity measures and additional preventive culls.
The rebound in egg prices underscores persistent food inflation risks in South Korea, as policymakers monitor supply stability amid ongoing disease outbreaks.
