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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.

Prices Rose on Avian Flu Concerns

Domestic egg prices have climbed since the start of the year, largely tied to concerns that outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza could reduce the number of laying hens and tighten supply. Government data show retail prices up nearly 20% from a year ago.

Authorities say the imports were secured as a precaution in case culling spreads and production drops sharply. Historically, egg prices tend to jump when millions of hens are removed from farms during disease control measures.

Farmers Question the Strategy

Producer groups argue the imports are unnecessary and expensive. They say the government is paying high logistics costs, including air freight, for volumes that represent only a small share of daily national output.

Industry estimates suggest the imported eggs amount to less than 5% of Korea’s typical daily production, leading many farmers to contend that domestic supply remains adequate without foreign purchases.

Some also point out that farm-gate prices are far lower than supermarket prices, suggesting retail markups — rather than shortages — may be driving costs for consumers.

A Market Signal, Not a Supply Fix

Despite the limited scale, the imports appear to have influenced pricing behavior. Since the U.S. eggs entered stores, average retail prices for domestic eggs have eased, slipping back toward the mid-6,000 won range.

Market observers describe the move less as a supply solution and more as a psychological nudge to retailers. By introducing cheaper alternatives, the government may be encouraging stores to release inventory and moderate pricing.

Analysts say the quick response shows egg prices can be sensitive to expectations and market sentiment, not only actual shortages.