Corn Inspections Lead Weekly Exports as China Reenters U.S. Grain Market, Resumes Canada Trade Talks

Strong corn and China-driven demand support the pace of U.S. grain exports. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses Canada-China agricultural trade talks.

imports business trade shipping containers port_adobe stock.png

Photo by Fotolia via Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. grain inspections were led by strong corn movement last week, with solid soybean demand and steady wheat shipments. USDA data shows total export inspections reached over 125 million bushels across major grains.

Corn inspections totaled about 79 million bushels, up from the prior week and well above last year. Shipments were spread across multiple destinations, including Japan, Mexico, and Colombia, highlighting broad global demand.

Soybean inspections reached roughly 28.6 million bushels. China remained a key buyer, accounting for a large share of shipments through both Gulf and Pacific Northwest ports. Additional demand came from Egypt, Mexico, and Southeast Asia.

Wheat inspections came in near 12.3 million bushels, holding steady week to week. Movement was concentrated through Gulf and Pacific ports, with demand from Latin America and Asia.

Sorghum inspections totaled about 2.3 million bushels. China remained the primary destination, continuing to dominate demand for sorghum exports.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong corn and China-driven demand support export pace.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist

As China returns to the U.S. grain markets, trade and supply chain talks between Chinese and Canadian officials are also in the spotlight, with potential implications for agriculture producers across the country.

Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to break down the latest developments and what they could mean for Canadian agriculture.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Haney explains what this round of discussions signals for Canada’s trade relationships and why the Chinese market remains critical, particularly for major export commodities like grains and pulses. He also weighs in on the opportunities and risks producers may face as countries seek to strengthen and diversify trade ties, offering practical insight for those navigating the global marketplace.

Related Stories
RaboResearch says China’s pivot from mass production to innovation-driven growth could reshape global pesticide supply chains — and influence prices and product access for U.S. farmers in the coming years.
Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl shares more about the tour to gather farmers’ insights on the economic challenges they face in the ag economy.
Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
Wheat futures briefly hit a three-month high before retreating as the markets wait for word on whether the deal will actually happen.
According to Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, the top three soy-crushing companies in Bangladesh agreed to buy $1 billion worth of U.S. soybeans over the next year.
A strong corn export pull is supportive of bids; soybeans need steady vessel programs or fresh sales to firm cash.

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:

Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
Pennsylvania Farm Show scholarship recipient Elizabeth Dice discusses her award, her background in farming, and her path forward in the agriculture industry.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska joined us with the latest on efforts to secure year-round E15 sales.
Rural population growth and stabilizing economic indicators point to post-pandemic recovery, but uneven income, shifting industries, and regional divides remain key challenges for rural communities.
Large-scale land purchases signal rising competition for ranchland, reinforcing its value while reshaping long-term access and control in rural agriculture.