The South Korean government has decided to import fresh eggs from Thailand for the first time in history, as egg prices remain unstable amid rising spring demand.
Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) announced Monday that it plans to import Thai eggs and supply them to the domestic market.
The measure comes as imports from the United States — previously Korea's primary source — have effectively been suspended due to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI). The move also aims to reduce dependence on U.S. imports and secure a diversified supply chain that can withstand future outbreaks or shifts in international conditions.
While Thai eggs had previously entered Korea in small quantities through private channels, this marks the first time the government has directly organized a large-scale import. aT said it brought in trial shipments ahead of full-scale imports to verify quality and safety, confirming that all quarantine and hygiene standards were met.
2.24 Million Eggs by Air… "30% Cheaper Than Domestic"
The eggs are Grade A, No. 2, L-size brown eggs certified by Thailand's Department of Livestock Development (DLD), equivalent to Korea's most consumed "special" size (60 grams or more). aT plans to bring in approximately 2.24 million eggs via air freight in nine shipments from the 10th through the end of this month.
After arriving in Korea, the eggs will go through quarantine, food inspection, disinfection, sorting and shell labeling before distribution. Cold-chain standards will be applied throughout storage and transportation, with hygiene controls progressively tightened.
The distribution approach also differs from past imports. Unlike U.S. eggs, which were primarily supplied through large retailers, the Thai eggs will be distributed with a greater share allocated to small and mid-sized marts to improve consumer accessibility. Prices are expected to be set at approximately 70% of domestic egg prices.
Culling of 10 Million Hens Pushes Egg Prices Higher
Domestic egg prices have remained volatile since the beginning of this year. The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza led to the culling of approximately 10 million laying hens, reducing supply.
According to the Livestock Products Quality Evaluation Institute, consumer prices for a 30-egg pack of special-size eggs reached the 6,900 won range in the fourth week of last month, up from a year earlier. Prices briefly exceeded 7,000 won before dipping, but have resumed their upward trend.