USDA predicts rising prices for milk, meat and eggs in 2025

USDA analysts predict that retail and wholesale food prices will increase in 2025, with the largest increases for beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy, and eggs. Uncertainty about import tariffs, which Trump is now imposing and then lifting, is exacerbating fluctuations in U.S. food prices, which will negatively affect global commodity markets.

 

The USDA’s forecasts are based on two main indicators: the consumer price index (which measures changes in the prices consumers pay for products) and the producer price index (which measures changes in wholesale prices). Understanding these trends allows consumers and businesses to plan their spending.

 

The consumer price index for food will continue to rise this year. Beef and veal prices are expected to rise from moderate in 2024 to strong in 2025, driven by higher feed costs, increased demand, and drought that has limited livestock supplies. Consumers will therefore need to consider alternative sources of protein.

 

Pork prices will increase to a lesser extent due to lower feed prices and stable production volumes, although transportation and processing costs will still increase.

 

Poultry meat will remain an affordable alternative to red meat, but will become more expensive due to a shortage of personnel in the industry and rising costs, including feed prices.

 

Dairy products will become more expensive due to rising feed and labor costs, disruptions in supply chains, and instability in global demand.

 

Egg prices will continue to rise due to disease outbreaks, logistical challenges, and rising production costs. During peak demand times, such as the holidays, price spikes will intensify.

 

The producer price index will also increase in 2025, which will ultimately affect consumer prices. Meat, egg and milk producers will face increased costs for feed, disease prevention, labor, processing and logistics.

 

USDA experts predict that in 2025, prices for beef, veal, and dairy products will increase the most, while pork and chicken will increase to a lesser extent. And the dynamics of egg prices are very important to predict at the moment, even despite some stabilization of the situation.

 

Consumers will have to reconsider their budgets, switch to alternative meats or increase the amount of plant-based proteins in their diets. Producers will find it increasingly difficult to maintain profitability and meet market demand amid the relentless rise in production costs.

 

Overall, 2025 will be another year of rising food prices, so both consumers and producers need to constantly monitor the current situation and quickly adapt to changing market conditions.