Wholesale egg prices in Taiwan have reached their highest level in nearly two years after the Taipei Egg Traders Association announced a NT$3-per-jin increase.
The wholesale price has risen from NT$46 to NT$49 per jin, while the farm-gate price has increased from NT$36.5 to NT$39.5. In Taiwan, one jin is equivalent to 600 grams.
The price increase comes amid tighter egg supplies, with production affected by prolonged high temperatures, the molting of older laying hens and the ongoing replacement of flocks. Feed costs and adjustments to production capacity are also among the factors cited by Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Daily egg production is currently estimated at around 123,000 cases, approximately 500 fewer than the previous week. Based on an average of about 200 eggs per case, the weekly reduction corresponds to roughly 100,000 fewer eggs per day.
Heat and flock replacement affect production
Prolonged hot weather has reduced laying performance and made flock management more difficult. At the same time, older laying hens are undergoing molting or being replaced, creating a temporary transition period before replacement hens reach productive age.
The resulting reduction in supply has been particularly noticeable for eggs that undergo grading and washing. Supplies of traditional loose eggs have been less affected.
Slightly stronger demand has also contributed to the recent price increase. The Taipei Egg Traders Association said that expectations of a possible typhoon had encouraged some consumers and businesses to purchase eggs in advance, adding to market pressure.
No nationwide shortage
Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture has stressed that the current situation does not amount to a nationwide egg shortage. Rather, supplies are tighter in some areas and for certain types of eggs.
The ministry has asked farmers to strengthen flock management and egg traders to improve distribution between regions. It is also working with industry organizations and local egg traders to help stabilize supplies.
The ministry has also pointed out that the color of an eggshell is determined primarily by the hen’s genetics and does not, by itself, indicate differences in nutritional value.
Supply expected to improve
Market participants expect egg supplies to gradually improve from around September as replacement laying hens enter production.
Until then, the availability of some graded and washed eggs may remain relatively tight, while prices could continue to fluctuate depending on production and demand.
The situation also highlights the challenges posed by high temperatures to Taiwan’s egg industry. Poultry farms have been encouraged to improve environmental management and adopt measures to reduce heat stress, including better ventilation and cooling systems.
Although egg prices have reached a two-year high, Taiwan’s authorities continue to characterize the situation as a temporary tightening of supply rather than a nationwide shortage. Conditions are expected to improve as replacement flocks enter production and the effects of the summer heat ease.
