South Korea Boosts Egg Imports from U.S. as Avian Flu Disrupts Supply

Rising egg prices in South Korea are linked to ongoing outbreaks of high-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that have led to widespread culling of laying hens. The latest data show the average price of a carton of 30 large eggs at 7,045 won, up 16.6% from a year earlier (6,041 won).

Egg prices have been volatile this week, moving in the 6,700–6,800 won range before spiking above 7,000 won. One month earlier, a carton averaged 6,921 won, so the jump represents more than a 100-won increase in a short span.

The surge in prices follows months of persistent HPAI activity. From late last year through Jan. 11, authorities culled about 9.76 million laying hens, more than double the 4.83 million culled in the previous year, underscoring tight supply conditions for eggs.

To shore up supply, distributors have turned to overseas sources. Homeplus, a major retailer, secured 28,000 cartons of fresh American eggs after additional imports authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA). These eggs will go on sale nationwide from the 16th at 5,790 won per carton, roughly 15% cheaper than the domestic average and about 200 won cheaper than January’s US-import eggs.

MAFRA said continued AI risk prompted additional imports after January’s initial shipments. Earlier in January, Homeplus had secured 45,000 cartons of US fresh eggs, all of which sold out within ten days.

Context for international readers: South Korea relies on a mix of domestic production and imports to stabilize staple foods like eggs when disease outbreaks disrupt local supply. The use of U.S. egg imports illustrates how governments in Asia hedge against domestic shortages and price volatility, with potential implications for export dynamics and food inflation in regional markets.

Why this matters to the United States: the episode highlights how animal disease outbreaks can ripple through global supply chains, affecting food prices and import strategies far from where the outbreaks occur. For U.S. exporters, stronger demand from Korea and nearby markets during instability could influence poultry and egg trade flows. It also underscores ongoing biosecurity considerations that shape agricultural policy, currency and commodity markets, and international cooperation on meat and egg safety.