Imported U.S. Eggs Sell Out on First Day at Major Supermarkets; Priced in High 5,000 Won Range

As egg prices soar, imported U.S. eggs have sold out immediately upon hitting the shelves at major supermarket chains.

According to the retail industry on Monday (June 22), the U.S. eggs that E-mart began selling at its stores nationwide on June 20 were completely sold out by around 6 p.m. on the first day of sales.

E-mart sold approximately 20,000 cartons of U.S. eggs over the weekend for 5,880 won each, with a purchase limit of one carton per person, and the entire stock was depleted that same day.

With customers rushing to stores as soon as they opened, some locations saw their stock sell out by 1 p.m., just three hours after opening at 10 a.m.

E-mart plans to sell U.S. eggs starting June 24, and both U.S. and Thai eggs starting June 27.

The price will be in the high 5,000 won range per carton, and as with the past weekend, a limit of one carton per person will be applied.

Lotte Mart also began selling 7,000 cartons of U.S. eggs at 40 of its stores on June 20 for 5,790 won per carton, and 97 percent of the stock was sold over the weekend.

Lotte Mart had set a purchase limit of two cartons per person.

Imported eggs are being released into the market through a system where the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs brings in the supply and prioritizes distribution to major retailers. Lotte Mart plans to manage its supply of U.S. and Thai eggs based on the government's allocation of imported egg stock.

In May, Lotte Super sold U.S. eggs and Homeplus sold Thai eggs, both of which also sold out completely.

A retail industry official stated, "We are implementing purchase limits per person so that more customers can have access to the products."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.