Egg prices are beginning to fall after spiking earlier this year, but grocery shoppers are still grappling with a new normal of elevated food costs. After reaching $6.55 in March, the average price for a dozen eggs dropped to $5.45 in mid-April. While this decline offers some relief, many consumers are increasingly resigned to higher prices. Market research shows the average shopper now expects to pay over $5.50 for eggs, signaling a broader shift in expectations.

This acceptance extends beyond eggs. Amid persistent tariff-related price pressures and economic uncertainty, shoppers are cutting back on discretionary spending like travel and clothing while prioritizing essential items like groceries. A recent KPMG survey found that groceries were one of the few categories where consumers plan to spend more this summer. Tariffs have become a tangible concern, with many shoppers linking rising food costs directly to trade policies.

President Trump has asserted that overall costs have fallen during his administration, but inflation data and retail pricing trends suggest otherwise. While some categories—like bacon and orange juice—have seen price drops, many others, including chicken, beef, and dairy, continue to climb. Year-over-year, egg prices are up nearly 50%, and beef costs 10% more.

The agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable to the shifting landscape. U.S. farmers are facing major setbacks as retaliatory tariffs disrupt key export markets. Recent cancellations from China, a major buyer of American pork, have heightened fears of an unfolding crisis. Experts warn that if export markets continue to shrink, domestic prices may drop in some categories due to oversupply, benefiting consumers but potentially devastating for producers.

As the Trump administration signals both hardline and conciliatory stances on trade, volatility remains high. The outcome of negotiations, especially with China, will shape food prices and supply chains for months to come.