Taiwan egg prices continue to rise due to avian flu

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Negotiations between poultry farms and the Taipei Producer Association led to an agreement to raise egg prices by NT$2 (US$0.07) per kilogram beginning today (Feb. 13). Unfortunately, many in the industry believe the price increase is too little too late, and cannot alleviate supply-side pressure brought about by the global outbreak of avian flu. Domestically, egg shortages are becoming more common as local egg farms continue to come under pressure from fewer laying hens and higher raw material prices. At the moment, not only are laying hens in short supply, but also broiler chickens. It may take poultry stocks at least three to four months to regenerate, per UDN. Many within the industry believe that not only eggs, but even chicken meat prices will remain high in the short to mid-term. “Egg merchants still can’t make money as avian flu continues to rage and the price of raw materials and labor has risen, which is making it hard for egg merchants," said ...