Retail egg prices have fallen, following declining wholesale prices after record highs earlier this year.
The average retail egg price dropped to $5.12 a dozen, down more than a dollar from its March peak of $6.23, according to a report published June 3 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service.
Wholesale prices began declining in mid-March, as previously reported by USA TODAY. But retail prices usually lag those of wholesale prices for a variety of reasons.
"Retail egg prices are influenced by wholesale egg prices, but additional factors such as pricing strategies and contracts can mute the impact of short-term fluctuations. As a result, retail price movements tend to lag directional changes made by wholesale prices," the USDA report said. "When wholesale prices spike, retailers occasionally and temporarily have sold eggs at a loss. As wholesale prices retreat, retail prices are slower to decline and often remain elevated for a longer period."
Wholesale prices fell in March with a decline in egg demand combined with a decline in new bird flu confirmations, the USDA said.
"By April, as seasonal egg demand declined and despite low inventories, the monthly average wholesale price had fallen to $3.74 per dozen, down from $8.20 in February," the report said.
The last report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on May 30 listed the average wholesale price of loose, white large shell eggs at $2.52 a dozen, down 40 cents from the previous week.
Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @blinfisher.bsky.social on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here.