Corn Export Inspections Stay Strong as Soybeans Rebound

U.S. grain export inspections stayed solid for the week ending May 7, with corn still leading the export pace and soybeans posting a strong weekly rebound.

Corn-Soybeans_AlfRibeiro-AdobeStock_335629402_1920x1080.jpg

AlfRibeiro – stock.adobe.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. grain export inspections stayed solid for the week ending May 7, with corn still leading the export pace and soybeans posting a strong weekly rebound. USDA inspected about 66.6 million bushels of corn, down from 80.3 million the previous week but 30 percent above the same week last year.

Corn inspections for the marketing year reached about 2.25 billion bushels, up 30 percent from last year’s 1.73 billion. Soybean inspections totaled about 24.1 million bushels, up from 18.6 million a week earlier and 49 percent above last year.

Wheat inspections reached about 18.8 million bushels, slightly above the previous week and 26 percent higher than a year ago. Sorghum inspections totaled about 3.1 million bushels.

Mexico remained a key destination for corn, while China was a major destination for soybeans and sorghum. Wheat movement was led by Pacific and Gulf shipments.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn export inspections remain well ahead of last year, while soybeans showed a stronger weekly pace despite weaker marketing-year totals.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
U.S.-Mexico agricultural trade faces uncertainty in 2026 as tariffs and cartel violence threaten farmers and ranchers. Congressman Henry Cuellar and Texas leaders weigh in on impacts and risks.
Stable blending demand continues to underpin corn use despite export volatility.
At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, growers explore new herbicide options, John Deere’s latest 8 Series tractors, and cutting-edge ag technology shaping the 2026 planting season. Here are some of RFD NEWS’ highlights from the event so far.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer provided insight on updated PLC rate estimates, the role of base acres, and the upcoming enrollment window for ARC and PLC programs.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
Delays on year-round E15 keep potential corn demand and fuel savings in limbo.

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:

China’s stricter inspection rules prompt Cargill to pause soybean exports from Brazil, briefly lifting U.S. soybean prices as traders anticipate potential shifts in global trade, as export demand remains supportive across all major U.S. commodities.
Suderman joins Tony St. James in the RFD Studios to discuss how geopolitical tensions are triggering global transport disruptions, new inflation pressures, and other challenges for agriculture to navigate.
Farm CPA Paul Nieffer explains the Farmer Bridge Assistance payment limits, provides clarity on new legislation, and offers advice for producers considering business structure adjustments.
Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
Refining shifts could influence fuel and input costs.
Energy shifts influence diesel and fertilizer costs.