South Korea has begun importing fresh eggs from the United States in a short-term move aimed at cooling rising retail prices and signaling supermarkets to lower margins, even as officials acknowledge the volumes are too small to materially change national supply.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs recently brought in more than two million eggs from U.S. producers and directed most of the stock to large retailers and food suppliers. The shipments arrive ahead of the Lunar New Year, a period when demand typically climbs and food costs draw closer scrutiny from consumers.
Early Sales Show Strong Demand
Retailers reported brisk sales shortly after the eggs reached store shelves. One major supermarket chain said most of its initial inventory sold within days, with additional batches quickly rolled out.
Priced below comparable domestic products, the imported eggs have attracted shoppers looking for relief from elevated grocery bills. A tray of U.S. eggs has been selling for roughly 6,000 won, noticeably cheaper than local extra-large eggs, which have hovered above 7,000 won.
