WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. export sales were mixed last week, with corn shipments climbing sharply while pork sales fell to a marketing-year low. USDA data for the week ending April 16 showed strong movement in corn, wheat, sorghum, and cotton, while pork and rice struggled.
Corn sales reached 51.8 million bushels for 2025/2026, down 6 percent from the prior week but up 3 percent from the four-week average. Exports jumped to 76.9 million bushels, up 25 percent on the week. Mexico bought 23.4 million bushels, Japan 16.7 million, and South Korea 16.1 million. New-crop sales totaled 17.3 million bushels, all to Mexico. Daily reporting also showed additional corn sales to Mexico and unknown destinations. Wheat exports rose 68 percent to 19.3 million bushels, while sorghum sales surged to 7.6 million bushels, mostly to China.
Soybean sales improved to 13.4 million bushels, up 47 percent from the prior week, but exports slipped to 28.2 million bushels. Cotton sales were weaker, though Pima cotton posted a marketing-year high. Beef sales rose 26% from the prior week.
Pork sales fell to 16,100 metric tons — a marketing-year low — down 57 percent from the prior week. Rice sales dropped 78 percent, another unusually weak spot in the report.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn export demand remains supportive, but weak pork and rice sales show uneven global demand trends.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
According to the most recent version of the Household Food Security Report for 2022-2023, food insecurity is on the rise in the U.S.
September 22, 2025 01:49 PM
·
Higher tariffs may shield some U.S. crops but risk retaliation, lost markets, and higher costs for growers. The WTO disputes highlight the fragile balance between trade policy, farm exports, and input supply chains.
September 22, 2025 12:39 PM
·
USMEF CEO Dan Halstrom joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report for his analysis on the U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, which includes big bucks for U.S. Beef.
September 22, 2025 12:30 PM
·
Record U.S. sorghum crop faces weak demand as China slashes imports, while corn farmers warn of rising costs, shrinking margins, and global market pressures.
September 22, 2025 11:46 AM
·
Fewer cattle on feed suggest smaller slaughter numbers this winter, which could support strong prices if beef demand holds firm.
September 22, 2025 11:10 AM
·
Dairy farmers are expected to face strong output and export gains, but lower prices and tighter margins will persist into next year.
September 22, 2025 10:52 AM
·
