E-mart slashes egg prices as government pushes to stabilize costs

With the government staking everything on price stability, E-mart has cut the price of imported fresh eggs — per carton of 30 — from 5,980 won to 4,980 won.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs held its third summer agricultural and livestock supply stabilization task force meeting Monday at Government Complex Sejong, where it announced the measure.

The government is pursuing additional imports of about 200 million eggs. This week, roughly 10 million of those eggs will be distributed to E-mart, Lotte Mart, the confectionery association and other outlets, with supply set to expand to about 20 million eggs per week thereafter.

In addition, the ministry will run discount events covering all agricultural and livestock products at participating retailers from July 2 through Sept. 2 to ease the financial burden on consumers for eggs and other key items.

The ministry will also issue 20 billion won ($13.3 million) worth of "Nonghwal" mobile gift vouchers — sold at a 30 percent discount to promote consumption of domestic agricultural and livestock products — every month from this month through November.

The ministry said it has expanded the list of eligible stores to include any outlet that primarily handles domestic agricultural and livestock products, regardless of whether it is a traditional market, to improve convenience for consumers.

Monday's meeting also reviewed crop growth and supply trends following the monsoon season, as well as the implementation status of the government's plan to stabilize everyday prices and ease the burden on lower-income households.

The ministry said the review found that crop growth conditions have generally remained sound despite the recent monsoon rains.

However, a continuation of hot and humid weather after the monsoon could increase the risk of pest and disease outbreaks. The ministry said it plans to step up crop management — including providing nutrients and pesticides — in affected areas and to continue monitoring conditions at production sites.

Livestock product prices remain elevated due to factors including animal infectious diseases, though supply conditions are gradually improving across individual categories, the ministry said.

Pork wholesale prices fell as shipments to wholesale markets increased following an expansion of shipping incentives, and the decline is expected to be reflected in retail prices with a lag.

Retail chicken prices also fell from the previous week as supply conditions improved, partly due to imports of broiler breeder eggs.