Corn and Soybean Exports Lead Weekly Sales Report

Corn and soybean exports continue supporting demand levels.

shipping containers import export tariffs_Photo by Ralf Gosch via AdobeStock_91592445.png

Photo by Ralf Gosch via Photo by Ralf Gosch via AdobeStock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. grain export demand remained solid in the latest weekly report, for March 27, with corn and soybeans leading overall activity while wheat also showed improvement.

USDA data for the week ending March 19 show that corn sales reached about 48 million bushels, up slightly from the prior week, with strong demand from Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Corn exports totaled roughly 66 million bushels, with Mexico and Japan among the top destinations.

Soybean sales came in near 24.6 million bushels, showing a sharp increase from recent weeks, led by China, Germany, and Mexico. Shipments were strong at approximately 49 million bushels, with China accounting for a large share of total movement.

Wheat sales improved to about 14.6 million bushels, with notable buying from the Philippines, Taiwan, and Mexico. Exports were steady near 14 million bushels, though still running below recent averages.

Sorghum sales were limited due to cancellations, but exports remained active and heavily concentrated toward China. Rice sales and shipments both declined week-over-week, reflecting softer demand.

Overall export activity points to steady corn demand, improving soybean movement, and modest gains in wheat as global trade flows continue to develop.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn and soybean exports continue supporting demand levels.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist

Related Stories
Agricultural exports continue to be a key contributor to rural employment. However, rural businesses still struggle to fill numerous job openings.
Dave Kestel, a farmer from Will County and member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, joins us to share a boots-on-the-ground update on the 2025 corn harvest.
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
University of Illinois Ag Economist Gary Schnitker says early projections indicate soybeans will be more profitable than corn in 2026.
Trump’s upcoming talks raise hopes for U.S. soybeans, but China’s record purchases from Brazil and Argentina show America’s market share remains under heavy pressure.

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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Expanded aerial capacity strengthens the U.S.–Mexico buffer against screwworm, providing cattle producers with stronger protection heading into winter and reducing risk to herds along the southern tier.
With the U.S.–Vietnam agreement nearing signature, U.S. cotton, corn, and soybean exporters could lock in new demand lanes just as global supply shifts.
Enforceable origin labels could create clearer premiums for U.S. cattle and address concerns some producers have had with competition from foreign imported beef.
A court decision that overturns Enlist labels would remove two major herbicides from use and reshape EPA’s future mitigation policies for other pesticides.
Rural businesses report softer sales, tougher hiring, and restrained investment — a backdrop that can pinch farm support capacity even if posted prices cool.
Friday’s release will be the first WASDE report in about two months, and early estimates indicate a corn surplus is still on the way.