Despite falling wholesale prices and no current bird flu outbreaks, retail egg prices reached a record high for the third consecutive month, reaching $6.23 per dozen. This surge, contradicting claims of price decreases, is attributed to the influence of large egg producers like Cal-Maine Foods, who reported record profits while receiving federal aid for avian flu losses. The Justice Department is investigating alleged price-fixing by major producers, highlighting concerns about corporate concentration and the exploitation of consumers. This situation underscores the need for addressing corporate monopolies and reforming the food system to lower prices.
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In response to record-high egg prices, the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust division is investigating Cal-Maine Foods, the nation’s largest egg producer. Despite record sales of $1.42 billion in the third quarter—primarily driven by increased egg prices—Cal-Maine’s stock fell after hours following the announcement. The investigation follows a bird flu outbreak that decimated the egg-laying chicken population, contributing to soaring egg prices and increased scrutiny of the company. Cal-Maine is cooperating with the investigation.
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Companies will use tariffs as an excuse for price gouging, a strategy that has already been employed during past economic upheavals. This isn’t merely speculation; history demonstrates a pattern where increased costs, regardless of origin, are frequently passed on to consumers with little to no reduction when the initial cost increase subsides. The simple fact is that prices rarely decrease, even when the underlying justification for the increase disappears. Profitability remains the driving force, and companies will almost always seize any opportunity to maximize their margins.
This behavior isn’t limited to specific industries; it’s a broad trend across the economy. The cost of everyday goods, from groceries to household items, is often increased and rarely decreases even after the initial justification—like tariffs or supply chain disruptions—is no longer relevant.… Continue reading
Wholesale egg prices have plummeted to $4.15 per dozen, a $2.70 decrease from the previous week, due to reduced consumer demand and fewer bird flu outbreaks. This price drop, however, hasn’t yet reached retail shelves, leaving uncertainty about Easter and Passover pricing. The Department of Justice is investigating the recent surge in egg prices, while the Trump administration has reportedly sought egg exports from Denmark. The current situation contrasts with earlier claims of bringing down egg prices.
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Democratic lawmakers, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, criticized President Trump for failing to address rising food prices despite campaign promises to lower grocery bills immediately. The letter highlights Trump’s focus on other issues, such as immigration and pardons, while offering only minimal, non-specific measures to combat rising grocery costs, which have increased by 1.8% from December 2023 to December 2024. The Democrats argue that corporate price gouging exacerbates this issue, and urge Trump to utilize existing regulatory tools to address it. The administration countered that its actions to increase domestic energy production would indirectly lower costs for families.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood