China Leads New-Crop Soybean Sales As Corn Strengthens

China purchased roughly 53 million bushels of new-crop soybeans as U.S. corn demand also remained solid.

Aerial of cargo ship carrying container for export cargo from cargo yard port to other ocean concept smart freight shipping ship front view_Photo by Yellow Boat via AdobeStock_1601867486.jpg

Aerial of a cargo ship carrying a container of exports.

Photo by Yellow Boat via Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — China dominated new-crop U.S. soybean buying last week, providing an important demand signal for growers approaching harvest. USDA reports 2026/27 soybean sales reached about 64.7 million bushels, with China purchasing roughly 53.1 million bushels.

Corn demand was also solid. Old-crop sales totaled about 16.2 million bushels, while new-crop commitments reached 36.4 million. Corn exports totaled nearly 69.6 million bushels, led by Mexico, Japan and Spain.

Cotton opened its new marketing year with 905,000 running bales of Upland sales, led by Vietnam and Pakistan. Wheat exports reached a marketing-year high near 18 million bushels, up 43% from the recent four-week average.

Livestock trade was led by pork, with sales rising 33% from the previous week to 36,300 metric tons. China purchased 2,800 metric tons of pork and also bought 900 metric tons of U.S. beef.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong Chinese soybean buying and solid corn demand provide encouraging export signals ahead of harvest.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

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