The Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) head, Maxim Shaskolsky, outlined expectations that producer prices for chicken eggs could ease within the coming weeks, with a rough timeline of a month to month and a half, according to TASS.
Shaskolsky suggested that a gradual decline in egg prices may unfold over the next several weeks as market dynamics adjust and competition intensifies within the sector.
Earlier, Dmitry Leonov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Producers and Suppliers of Food Products (Rusprodsoyuz), offered a similar view, signaling that prices might retreat after the New Year. This perspective aligns with a broader market expectation that demand and supply realign after seasonal fluctuations.
Additionally, Dmitry Patrushev, the Russian Minister of Agriculture, indicated that in the near term Russia would receive duty-free eggs from suppliers such as Turkey and Azerbaijan, a move expected to contribute to price relief.
To support these aims, the Government announced the temporary elimination of import customs duties on chicken eggs from various countries from January 1 to June 30, 2024. Officials described the measure as a lever to ease price pressures and address public concerns about potential cartel activity in the egg market. Alongside this, authorities pledged continued investment in domestic production to reduce shortages and stabilize prices over the longer term.
Analysts note that price movements in the egg market interact with several factors, including import availability, exchange rates, farm productivity, and seasonal demand. The policy changes are designed to bolster supply and prevent sharp price spikes, while also encouraging producers to scale up capacity where feasible.
The central question remains how prices will adjust in the coming weeks and months, given the mix of regulatory actions, international imports, and evolving market incentives. Observers emphasize that sustained price moderation will depend on the balance between domestic output growth and ongoing import stimulation, as well as the efficiency of distribution networks.
As the market absorbs these shifts, stakeholders will be watching for signs of price stabilization across regions, the speed of any downward pressure, and the degree to which consumer costs for eggs reflect broader agricultural policy goals and currency dynamics.
Source: TASS and related industry briefings.