As Passover approaches, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security are working to ensure a regular supply of eggs in light of the increased demand during this period. As part of the measures taken, the ministries announced today (Sunday) the expansion of import quotas that are exempt from tariffs, alongside the launch of the “Full Shelves” procedure aimed at ensuring that supermarket shelves remain stocked without raising prices for consumers.
About 40 Million Eggs Have Already Been Imported
As in every year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has opened a tariff-free quota for importing 105 million eggs to meet the increase in demand from January to April. So far, about 40 million eggs have already been imported, and the ministries continue to monitor the market to complete the supply. This year, the challenge is more significant due to the widespread outbreak of avian influenza in the U.S. and Europe, which has led to a global price increase, but officials clarify that no shortages are expected.
Prices Will Not Increase
The “Full Shelves” procedure that has been activated will allow importers to continue bringing in additional shipments until the eve of the holiday, in order to prevent a shortage of eggs and maintain the regulated prices unchanged. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security emphasizes that professional entities continue to monitor the market situation and will ensure that the supply remains stable, even during periods of high demand.
The ministries stated: “In light of the high prices worldwide, and since the price in Israel is regulated and limited, the Ministry of Agriculture is publishing the “Full Shelves” procedure to ensure supplementary imports until the eve of the holiday to maintain stocked shelves and a continuous supply, and without raising prices for consumers, meaning without removing the product from price regulation.”
