TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部) announced Wednesday (Feb. 5) that the egg industry is grappling with an oversupply issue following the Lunar New Year holiday. Industry discussions are underway to reduce the number of hatching eggs.
The Poultry Association Republic of China (中華民國養雞協會) anticipates a production surge from March to May and estimates the need to destroy 1 million hatching eggs. The global avian flu outbreak in 2023 affected Taiwan, prompting emergency imports of eggs and breeding chickens. This led to weakened market demand and exacerbated the oversupply.
According to the MOA's website, the latest daily domestic egg production reached 127,500 cartons, each containing 200 eggs, continuing the oversupply trend. The industry fears increased selling pressure after the holiday.
Ministry officials noted that efforts to reduce hatching egg numbers began in 2024. However, introducing new egg-laying hens boosted production, and some producers employed traditional molting methods, further increasing output.
Wang Chien-pei (王建培), secretary-general of the Poultry Association, stated that over 37 million egg-laying hens are currently in production, necessitating the destruction of 1 million hatching eggs, with final decisions expected by late February.
Wang explained that the execution of egg destruction requires subsidies for hatchery operators, with an estimated NT$15 to NT$20 per egg. The National Animal Industry Foundation (中央畜產會) will cover NT$10 from the egg industry service fee, while the MOA will be approached for additional subsidies.
