Avian Flu and Tariffs Drive US Grocery Prices Higher

Agricultural crises and trade policy drove significant price increases for US grocery staples throughout 2025. Egg prices climbed to a nearly 10-year high in January and hit an all-time peak of $6.23 per dozen in March. In response to avian influenza outbreaks, the United States Department of Agriculture culled more than 30 million birds by April.

Livestock and coffee prices also saw sharp increases. Lean ground beef reached $8.04 per pound in July, fueled by low cattle inventories and New World Screwworm infestations. To stop the parasite's spread, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins closed livestock trade through Mexico's southern ports in July.

Coffee costs rose due to erratic weather in Vietnam and Brazil. In August, the Trump administration implemented a 40% tariff on Brazilian coffee exports, though Donald Trump removed these tariffs in November. While most staples rose, prices for tomatoes, white bread, and pasta declined by November.