Taiwan Egg Prices to Rise by NT$3 Per Catty Starting August 12

Egg prices in Taiwan are set to rise, with wholesale costs increasing by NT$3 per catty to NT$49 starting August 12. The farm gate price will follow on August 13, climbing from NT$36.5 to NT$39.5 per catty.

Taipei Egg Dealers Association Chairman Lin Tien-lai cited reduced egg production rates and rising feed costs as primary drivers for the increase. He noted that the annual molting season, which typically occurs in July as schools close for summer vacation, coincides with these production challenges. Lin added that a shortage of soybean meal is forcing farmers to alter feed formulations, leading to a 10-20% decrease in egg-laying efficiency.

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Due to the decrease in hen laying rates and rising feed costs, egg wholesale prices will increase by NT$3 per catty starting from the 12th, and the farm gate price will follow suit the next day.

The Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged the price adjustments, attributing them to farmers' molting and culling practices, coupled with high temperatures impacting laying rates and increasing costs. However, the ministry emphasized that this is a transitional period as new chickens begin production. While there might be a temporary gap in supply for washed and packaged eggs, the impact on loose, unpackaged eggs is expected to be minimal. The ministry also stated that prices will be adjusted to maintain market balance based on supply and demand.

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Currently, due to farmers molting and natural culling, combined with continuous high temperatures affecting laying rates, farming costs have increased and production has decreased, but it is not a large-scale egg shortage.