Government Expands April Egg Imports to '40 Million'... "Full Effort for Price Stability"

Due to AI Outbreak Last Year, Shortage of Laying Hens... Normalization Expected Around June

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[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seonhee] The government has decided to increase the egg import volume to 40 million units this month. This is an additional 15 million units on top of the original 25 million units.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced the "Egg Price Stabilization Promotion Plan" on the 23rd and stated that it has signed an additional import contract to promptly supply eggs domestically. They also plan to pursue additional egg imports in May.

As of the previous day, the egg price (based on 30 eggs) is 7,358 won. Although this is lower than the peak price of 7,821 won recorded on February 15, right after the Lunar New Year holiday, it remains higher than the average price of 5,313 won.

The government explained that the reason egg prices have not fallen significantly is due to a sharp decrease in the number of laying hens. Since November last year, a total of 109 cases of avian influenza (AI) have occurred, resulting in the culling of 16.71 million hens, which accounts for about 22.6% of the total laying hens. Consequently, egg production is about 1.5 million units per day less than the average.

Considering the growth period of laying hen chicks (usually 22 weeks), the government expects the number of laying hens to recover to normal levels around June. The Ministry of Economy and Finance stated, "We will achieve early stabilization of egg prices by responding to supply-demand imbalances through sufficient imports until the number of laying hens recovers to normal levels."

Additionally, consumer burdens will be eased through discount coupons for agricultural and livestock products sold at large supermarkets and online malls (20% discount on domestic agricultural and livestock products, up to 10,000 won), and communication with major distribution industries and producer organizations will continue to stabilize egg prices.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance said, "Since egg prices are closely related to the lives of ordinary people and have a high public sensitivity, we will make every effort to stabilize egg prices early." They added, "We will closely monitor the implementation of tasks through the Price-Related Vice Ministers' Meeting chaired by First Vice Minister Lee Eokwon, and promptly prepare additional measures if necessary."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.