TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei City Egg Merchants Association (台北市蛋商業同業公會) announced on Monday (Oct. 28) that wholesale egg prices will increase by NT$3 per catty, rising from NT$31 to NT$34.
The association plans to adjust farm gate prices on Thursday, raising them from NT$21.5 to NT$24.5. This decision came after low egg prices prompted farmers to start early molting operations, reducing egg production.
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部) reports that Taiwan has approximately 36.34 million egg-laying hens, producing 126,000 boxes of eggs daily, each containing about 200 eggs. Despite this, demand remains at 120,000 boxes, resulting in a daily surplus of 1.2 million eggs.
The association noted that although eggs are still in excess, cooler weather has slightly improved sales. The recent price drop significantly impacted farmers, prompting the price hike to alleviate their financial pressure.
Farmers have expressed concern over rising costs and falling egg prices, which have led some to sell their chickens to prevent further losses. With monthly rearing costs already untenable, and current costs at NT$28 per catty, many farmers hope prices will stabilize above NT$30 for sustainable industry operations.