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.
