I’m sure South Africans don’t care an egg for what’s happening to soaring egg prices in the United States. It certainly won’t crack them up. But in America, an outbreak of bird flu has forced the culling of millions of egg-laying hens, sending prices through the coop. This has even led to reports of eggs being smuggled across the border—because, apparently, eggs are now contraband.
Here’s why U.S. eggs are in short supply, why South African prices remain relatively stable, and a little throwback to what an egg cost in 1985.
Eggflation in the U.S.
Egg prices in the U.S. have shot up by about 63% in the past year. The main culprit? Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), better known as bird flu. Since 2022, over 110 million birds have been culled, gutting egg production. Other factors, such as inflation, higher feed costs, and a few giant egg producers controlling the market, have also scrambled the supply chain. Some critics even suspect price gouging, as major suppliers continue to rake in hefty profits despite the crisis.
How bad is it? Right now, Americans are paying about 7.38 ZAR per egg (based on exchange rates in March 2025). That’s nearly three times what South Africans pay. No wonder some are tempted to smuggle eggs from Mexico, where they’re cheaper.
South Africa: An Eggceptional Case
Despite occasional price hikes, South African egg prices haven’t gone off the rails like in the U.S. The average cost of an egg in South Africa is about 2.40 ZAR, thanks to several key factors:
- No mass bird flu outbreaks – While South Africa has had smaller cases of Newcastle disease and bird flu, nothing has reached U.S.-level devastation.
- Strong local production – South African poultry farmers keep supply steady, using efficient biosecurity measures to prevent major disease losses.
- Market dynamics – Unlike the U.S., where a few big companies dominate, South Africa’s market is more competitive, preventing extreme price manipulation.
Hats off to South African farmers! They rarely get enough credit, but keeping eggs affordable ensures that an essential protein remains within reach for millions.
Eggs: More Than Just Breakfast
Eggs are a staple in most households, whether fried, boiled, scrambled, or turned into a delicious omelette. But their role goes far beyond the breakfast table. They are widely used in food manufacturing—playing a vital role in baked goods, sauces, and processed foods—while the catering industry, including hotels, resorts, and restaurants, relies on them heavily. Their versatility and affordability make them an irreplaceable ingredient in both home kitchens and large-scale food production.
Egg Prices Then and Now
Ever wondered what an egg cost in 1985? Based on historical estimates, an egg in South Africa was priced somewhere between 0.06 ZAR and 0.17 ZAR. That means in today’s terms, eggs cost at least 40 times more—though still far cheaper than in the U.S.
Cracking the Code
While the U.S. egg market is in hot water, South Africa’s remains relatively stable. Whether that will continue depends on global feed prices, disease control, and local production. But for now, South Africans can rest easy knowing their breakfast isn’t about to break the bank.
So, next time you fry up an egg, give a little nod to the farmers who keep them affordable. After all, they’ve hatched a system that works!
