The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to stop issuing its annual Easter season egg inventory reports amid a worsening bird flu outbreak that has significantly impacted egg supplies and prices. This announcement comes as egg prices have soared by 239% from January 2020 to January 2025, leading to purchase limits in stores and additional charges in some restaurants. While the USDA will no longer provide these specific seasonal reports, other sources within the department will continue to offer egg market data. The discontinuation of the reports coincides with the U.S. Justice Department launching an investigation into the sharp rise in egg prices for potential antitrust violations, exploring whether price manipulation or market consolidation has driven the price increases. The egg market faces severe pressure, with a recent shift from supply constraints to a sudden surplus, causing spot market prices to drop, although a significant price increase is still anticipated due to ongoing disruptions from the bird flu. The Trump administration has pledged up to $1 billion to control the outbreak and stabilize egg prices, although it remains uncertain if this will be sufficient to alleviate the market volatility and economic strain on consumers.
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