WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. grain export inspections continue to show strong demand for feed grains, with corn and sorghum shipments running well ahead of last year, while soybean exports remain under pressure. The latest USDA data highlights improving export momentum in key commodities tied closely to livestock and global feed demand.
Corn inspections for the week ending March 12 totaled 1.66 million metric tons, pushing marketing year-to-date shipments to about 1.69 billion bushels, up roughly 39% from 1.21 billion bushels a year ago. Sorghum exports also showed strong growth, with year-to-date shipments reaching about 98.6 million bushels, up around 61% from last year.
Operationally, soybean exports remain a key weakness. Weekly inspections totaled 966,000 metric tons, with year-to-date shipments at approximately 1.03 billion bushels, down about 28% from 1.44 billion bushels last year. Wheat exports provided some support, with year-to-date inspections reaching about 715 million bushels, up roughly 19% year over year.
Regionally, Gulf export terminals handled the majority of corn, soybean, and sorghum shipments, while Pacific Northwest ports supported strong flows into Asian markets. Interior river systems continue to play a key role in moving grain to export channels.
Looking ahead, continued strength in corn and sorghum exports could help offset weakness in soybeans, with global feed demand and trade flows remaining key drivers of U.S. grain markets.
Shaun Haney joined RFD News to discuss the potential impact of the Trump-Xi summit uncertainty, ongoing agricultural trade talks, and why geopolitical developments could carry important implications for farmers and global commodity markets.
