Fresh egg imports reach 133.24 million by end of September — retail egg price 6,937 won in early October (up 2.1% year on year)
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said 133.24 million fresh eggs had been imported by the end of September 2026, and that the retail egg price in early October (provisional) was 6,937 won, 2.1% higher than a year earlier.
Key facts
| Issue raised by the press | Chosun Ilbo (October 6, 2026) — Brazilian eggs imported at 39,000 won per tray were sold at 4,980 won in supermarkets, with the gap covered by tax money |
|---|---|
| Import volume | 133.24 million by end of September 2026 — United States 94.0%, Thailand 2.8%, Brazil 2.3%, Denmark 0.9%, etc. |
| Trial imports | 1.12 million Brazilian and 720,000 Danish eggs to diversify supply sources |
| Retail price trend | Mid-July 7,418 won → August 7,332 won → September 7,084 won → early October (provisional) 6,937 won (up 2.1% year on year) |
| Farm-gate price trend | Mid-July 6,818 won → August 6,591 won → September 6,295 won → early October (provisional) 5,975 won (up 3.8% year on year) |
| Government explanation | A temporary measure responding to short-term supply instability from HPAI and other causes; eggs from any specific country are not imported on a permanent basis |
Last checked:
On October 6, 2026, the Chosun Ilbo reported that the government was covering with tax money the gap between the import price of Brazilian eggs and their supermarket selling price. In an explanatory statement, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (농림축산식품부) said fresh egg imports are a temporary market-stabilization measure taken after egg production fell due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and other factors last winter. It explained that 133.24 million fresh eggs had been imported by the end of September 2026 from the United States (94.0%), Thailand (2.8%), Brazil (2.3%), Denmark (0.9%) and elsewhere, and that 1.12 million Brazilian eggs and 720,000 Danish eggs were trial imports to diversify supply sources. The retail egg price fell from 7,418 won in mid-July to 6,937 won in early October (provisional), 2.1% higher than a year earlier.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
Why is the government importing fresh eggs?
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explained that after highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and other factors last winter reduced the number of laying hens and egg output, destabilizing supply, it is a temporary measure to make up for the production shortfall and prevent price spikes.
Where are egg prices now?
According to the ministry, the retail price in early October (provisional) was 6,937 won, 2.1% higher than a year earlier, and the farm-gate price was 5,975 won, 3.8% higher. The ministry said prices have been falling since late July.
How does this compare with 2021?
Based on the January–August average retail price, the ministry said it was 7,318 won in 2021 (up 39.4% year on year) and 7,139 won in 2026 (up 5.1% year on year).