In her first press briefing, Karoline Leavitt cited Biden’s policies as a key driver behind the soaring egg prices amidst a supply chain crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Bird flu and inflation have caused a 65% rise in egg prices.
- The slaughtering of millions of chickens is exacerbating the crisis.
- Retailers are imposing purchase limits to manage shortages.
- Egg prices could reach unprecedented levels by the end of 2025.
- Critics attribute the crisis to Biden administration policies.
Rising Egg Prices Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
Karoline Leavitt addressed the alarming rise in U.S. egg prices, citing a combination of factors. The bird flu has necessitated the slaughter of millions of chickens monthly, significantly driving prices up. In December alone, egg prices averaged $4.15 per dozen, with a potential 20% increase expected this year.
Some regions are facing prices more than double the average, particularly for organic and cage-free eggs, leading to retailers with shortages on these premium types. The outbreak began in 2022, resulting in over 145 million birds, mainly egg layers, being culled.
Supply Chain Strain and Policy Impacts
Reporters questioned Karoline Leavitt about the administration’s response to the egg crisis. She criticized the Department of Agriculture for overseeing the mass slaughter of birds, thereby contributing to supply shortages that worsened the crisis. ”
“As far as the egg shortage, what’s also contributing to that is that the Biden administration and the Department of Agriculture directed the mass killing of more than 100 million chickens, which has led to a lack of chicken supply in this country, therefore, a lack of egg supply, which is leading to the shortage.” – Karoline Leavitt
Grocery stores are limiting egg sales per customer to curb shortages. The policies in ten states mandating cage-free egg production are further straining supplies, causing disruptions and higher prices.
The Economic and Social Ramifications
Leavitt emphasized the country’s need for robust leadership to tackle these supply issues. With projections indicating the average price of a dozen large eggs reaching $5 by 2025, the economic impact on consumers is substantial.
“I would like to point out to each and every one of you, that in 2024, when Joe Biden was in the Oval Office or upstairs in the residence sleeping, I’m not so sure, egg prices increased 65% in this country.” – Karoline Leavitt
As consumers grapple with these spikes, some are noting a decline in demand. Despite the price increase, purchases are limited due to store-imposed restrictions. It is a critical situation needing immediate attention to stabilize the egg market and alleviate consumer burden.
Sources
1. Egg prices are soaring. Don’t expect that to change anytime soon
