Egg Prices Poised to Hit 4 Baht as Feed Costs Soar
Egg prices are set to jump to 4 baht per unit as feed costs surge and poultry disease cuts output by 20 percent, with pork prices also expected to climb sharply as farmers face mounting production costs.
Egg and pork farmers are preparing to raise farm-gate prices in response to surging animal feed costs. Mixed-grade eggs are expected to climb to 4 baht per unit, while pork is projected to reach 70–78 baht per kilogram.
Phayyao Arikun, chairwoman of the Central Small-Scale Egg Farmers' Association, revealed that farms are currently battling poultry disease, which has slashed egg output by 20 percent. Last week, animal feed prices rose by 6 baht per 30-kilogram sack, jumping from 440 to 446 baht. This has driven up production costs while egg yields fall and shortages emerge in some areas. Although current farm-gate prices for mixed eggs stand at 3.80 baht per unit, traders have already maxed out sales at that ceiling. A further increase of 20 satang per unit—bringing prices to 4 baht per egg—is expected soon. Farmers, however, are hoping to delay price hikes as long as possible to support consumers.
Sittipan Tanakiartiphiyo, chairman of the National Swine Farmers' Association, indicated that on August 5 the association and its partners will discuss pork prices again. There is a strong likelihood that live-pig prices will rise another 2 baht per kilogram, pushing farm-gate pork to 70–78 baht per kilogram, with any adjustment taking effect on August 6.
The cost pressures stem mainly from soaring feed-ingredient prices. Corn, a primary feed input, has climbed from 9 baht to 13 baht per kilogram. Soybean meal, another crucial ingredient, has jumped from 13 to 17 baht per kilogram. Wheat and rice prices have also risen. At the same time, pork supplies are tightening relative to consumer demand.
