30.04.2025 14:32
Due to the avian influenza and the increased demand during Ramadan, egg prices, which reached record levels, have started to decline thanks to the measures taken by the Ministry of Trade. Recently, prices have decreased by 50-55%, falling to the range of 160-180 lira.
Avian influenza, export processes, and the increase in demand during Ramadan led to a period where egg prices reached record levels, but they have since fallen due to the effects of decisions made. Speculations made through export processes to some countries, especially the USA, along with the increase in consumption seen during Ramadan, contributed to the rise in egg prices. This process, which increased complaints about "exorbitant prices" in the domestic market, was reversed by decisions implemented by the Ministry of Trade aimed at contributing to price stability and facilitating consumers' access to products at reasonable prices. The increase in the deduction amount applied to table egg exports from $0.5 to $1.5 per kilogram and the completion of exports to some countries also reflected in prices. Recently, egg prices have decreased by 50-55% compared to a month ago.
"PRICES HAVE BALANCED BY RETURNING TO NORMAL LEVELS"
The President of the Egg Producers Central Union (YUM-BİR), İbrahim Afyon, stated that during the egg crisis in the USA, speculation was made that "eggs from Turkey would be exported," creating a false perception. Afyon noted that during this process, some producers turned to stockpiling, and some national markets demanded more eggs than they could sell, saying: Price increases were not due to producers or costs, but entirely due to the opportunistic perspective of some small and medium-sized private neighborhood markets. As producers, we reacted to exorbitant price increases. We launched a campaign recommending that no price increases occur during Ramadan, but we witnessed that the price of a carton of eggs rose to exorbitant prices like 270-280 lira in some markets. Currently, prices have returned to normal levels and have balanced out. In the market, a carton of eggs is priced between 160-180 lira.
"OUR PRODUCTION IS AT A LEVEL TO MEET CONSUMPTION AND EXPORT"
Afyon pointed out that Ramadan also affected the rise in egg prices, explaining that despite normal consumption, prices were raised with some "intentional" perceptions. Emphasizing that there is no problem with egg production in Turkey, Afyon made the following assessment: Specifically this year, flocks that had been out of production for the last 9 months have returned to production, which has been effective in reducing prices. Prices were already inflated, and now they have come to balance. We hope that our people appreciate the right product at the right price. No egg is less valuable than another. Our egg production is at a level to meet consumption and exports.
"OUR PEOPLE DO NOT DEMAND OR CONSUME SMALL EGGS"
Zafer Kaya, the Chairman of the Board of Türem Yumurta AŞ, also drew attention to the impact of avian influenza. Reminding that avian influenza cases emerged in October 2024, Kaya stated that this gradually reflected in egg prices. Kaya said, "The arrival of Ramadan also affected the increase in prices, but later the announcement of export restrictions on eggs caused prices to drop very quickly." He emphasized that if the fund deduction application related to exports continues, prices will drop even further, adding: Price decreases are reflected in the shelves of markets after a week. If export restrictions continue, the decline will also continue. We were exporting 100% of 'small' eggs. We cannot sell this in the shelves. Our people do not demand or consume small eggs.