Sharp drop in egg prices: Ramadan effect has ended

Egg prices, which had reached record levels due to bird flu, export processes, and increased demand during the month of Ramadan, have fallen as a result of measures taken. The increase in the export deduction for table eggs from 0.5 dollars to 1.5 dollars per kilogram, along with the completion of exports to certain countries, has been reflected in prices. Recently, egg prices have declined by 50-55 percent compared to a month ago.

Speculations regarding export processes to certain countries, primarily the US, and the increase in consumption during Ramadan had led to a rise in egg prices.

This process, which increased complaints of "exorbitant prices" in the domestic market, was reversed by decisions implemented by the Ministry of Trade to contribute to price stability and facilitate consumer access to products at reasonable prices.

"PRICES HAVE BALANCED BY RETURNING TO NORMAL LEVELS"

İbrahim Afyon, President of the Egg Producers Central Union (YUM-BİR), stated that during the egg crisis in the US, a false perception was created through speculation that "eggs in Turkey will go to export."

Stating that some producers turned to stockpiling during this process and some national supermarket chains demanded more eggs than they could sell, Afyon said:

"The price increases were not caused by producers or costs, but entirely by the opportunistic perspective of some small and medium-sized, private neighborhood markets. As producers, we also reacted to the exorbitant price increases. We launched a recommendation campaign saying 'do not raise prices during Ramadan,' but we witnessed a carton of eggs rising to exorbitant prices like 270-280 liras in some markets. Currently, prices have balanced by returning to their normal levels. A carton of eggs is in the 160-180 lira range in the market."

"OUR PRODUCTION IS AT A LEVEL TO MEET CONSUMPTION AND EXPORTS"

Pointing out that Ramadan also had an impact on the rise in egg prices, Afyon explained that despite consumption proceeding normally, prices were raised through some "intentional" perceptions.

Emphasizing that there are no problems with egg production in Turkey, Afyon made the following assessment:

"Specific to this year, flocks that had left production in the last 9 months have re-entered production, which has been effective in the decline of prices. The prices were already a bubble; they have now reached a balance. We want our people to 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."

"PRICE DROPS ARE REFLECTED ON MARKET SHELVES A WEEK LATER"

Zafer Kaya, Chairman of the Board of Türem Yumurta AŞ, also drew attention to the impact of bird flu. Recalling that bird flu cases emerged in October 2024, Kaya said this was gradually reflected in egg prices.

Kaya stated, "The arrival of Ramadan was also effective in the rise of prices, but the subsequent announcement of export restrictions on eggs caused prices to fall very rapidly."

Emphasizing that prices will fall further if the fund deduction practice regarding exports continues, Kaya noted the following:

"Price drops are reflected on market shelves a week later. If export restrictions continue, the decline will also continue. We were exporting 100 percent of 'small' eggs. We cannot sell them on the shelf. Our people do not demand or consume small eggs."