Corn Export Inspections Surge as Soybean Pace Slows

U.S. export inspections turned in another strong corn week.

corn crop aerial_adobe stock.png

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. export inspections turned in another strong corn week, while soybean movement eased and wheat improved modestly. USDA said total grain inspected for export during the week ending April 30 reached the equivalent of about 120.3 million bushels across major commodities, up from the previous week and above the same week last year.

Corn led the report. Inspections reached about 79.8 million bushels, up from 65.2 million the week before and above 63.7 million a year earlier. Marketing-year corn inspections now stand at about 2.18 billion bushels, well ahead of roughly 1.67 billion at this point last year.

Soybeans moved lower. Weekly soybean inspections totaled about 16.5 million bushels, down from 23.5 million the previous week, though still above 12.3 million a year ago. China remained the top soybean destination, followed by Mexico, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.

Wheat inspections rose to about 15.9 million bushels from 13.6 million the prior week and edged above the same week last year. Marketing-year wheat inspections reached about 819.1 million bushels, up from roughly 731.8 million a year earlier.

Sorghum inspections stayed solid at about 5.6 million bushels, with nearly all of that volume moving to China. The latest report showed export demand still leaning heavily toward corn, while soybean movement lost some momentum week to week.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn export movement remains the strongest piece of the grain export picture, while the soybean pace has softened from the prior week.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Shaun Haney with Real Ag Radio joined us to break down the USMCA review and what Canadian producers and exporters should be watching in the months ahead.
Fertilizer relief may be limited despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz this week. AgriSompo’s Brooks York discusses marketing strategies, crop insurance considerations, and other tips for producers navigating volatility this planting season.
Reduced driver supply may increase freight costs this season.
Overall, the report suggests a shift toward more comfortable supply levels, with demand emerging as a key factor to watch in the months ahead.
Lower shipping costs favor corn, while soybeans face pressure.
Sponsored
Matt Dolch with Syngenta discusses rootworm pressure, the latest trait technologies, and how corn growers can plan for 2027.

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:

Crop insurance remains essential as risks and costs rise.
Rural driving conditions increase the risk of serious collisions with animals.
Weak soybean sales and soft wheat demand contrast with solid corn export strength.
Charly Cummings with Superior Livestock Auction joined us to discuss today’s cattle offering, market demand, and what producers should watch as they plan upcoming sales.
David Fisher with the American Lamb Board joined us to discuss a new sustainability program designed to boost producer profitability while supporting stewardship practices.
Trade disputes can quickly reduce demand for key crops.