US egg price surge, inflation symbol, linked to more than just bird flu outbreak

The dramatic rise in U.S. egg prices, which became a potent symbol of rampant inflation, was not solely attributable to the devastating avian flu epidemic. While the H5N1 virus led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens and severely impacted production starting in 2022, a recent investigation by U.S. justice authorities has cast a shadow over the market.

In March 2025, the U.S. justice system launched an inquiry into allegations of a cartel among three major egg producers. These companies are suspected of orchestrating market manipulation to artificially inflate prices. The issue has resonated so deeply with Americans that it has entered the White House race, with candidates frequently citing the soaring cost of eggs as evidence of economic hardship under the current administration.

Initially, the narrative focused almost exclusively on the ravages of the avian flu. However, the unfolding investigation suggests a more complex reality, potentially involving deliberate actions by industry giants to exploit the situation. The expression "the goose that laid the golden eggs" has taken on a starkly literal meaning as consumers grapple with the escalating cost of this staple food.