US table-egg production in July 2022 reached 640.7 million dozen, 3.4% lower than in July 2021. The year-over-year (y-o-y) decrease was due to a 5.2% decline in the table-egg laying flock size, affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). However, the lay rate increased by 2% y-o-y in July, partially offsetting the decline in flock size. The Mintec price for eggs in the US reached USc. 16.6/egg, up 19.1% month-on-month (m-o-m) and 120.4% y-o-y, on 14th September. The US retail sector is concerned over product availability because of the HPAI impact. Nevertheless, egg demand remains strong, despite elevated y-o-y prices.
According to market participants, several production indicators point toward producers aiming to expand table-egg production in the remainder of Q3 and Q4 2022. Increases in the near-term egg production are likely to be supported by higher-than-average lay rates, lower-than-average molting rates, and lower-than-average light-spent hen slaughter rates. Consequently, the overall egg production in Q3 is estimated to be revised up 10 million dozen, to 1,920 million dozen, and in Q4 revised up 15 million dozen, to 2,010 million dozen. Despite these increases, the 2022 US table-egg production is forecast at 7,787 million dozen, down 2.3% y-o-y.