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
Oil-led rallies can move soybean prices quickly, but sustained gains will require continued strength in soybean oil and broader biofuel demand signals.
January 22, 2026 10:39 AM
·
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
January 21, 2026 11:50 AM
·
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
January 21, 2026 10:36 AM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
