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
The Texas Department of Agriculture confirmed a New World Screwworm case about 119 miles from the Texas border, near Zapata, Texas, and north and west of the Rio Grande Valley.
Domestic demand policy may play a larger role if export competition continues to limit price recovery.
Tennessee corn and soy farmer Josh Ogle joins us to discuss rapid planting progress in the state, improving moisture conditions, and early crop development challenges in the MidSouth region.
Beef is leading the decline as slaughter drops and supplies tighten.
Chad Fiechter joins us to discuss Purdue’s precision ag study, challenges in capturing value from technology, and what farmers should consider when investing in and adopting these tools.
Ethanol demand held together last week, but lower production and thinner stocks put more focus on export strength. Production capacity is also strengthening over time and benefiting soybean farmers.

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:

After losing her sight, Missouri FarmHER Alda Owen built a life on her terms — then Sweet Baby Joe came along to take it even further.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report for a closer look at how Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill changes to base acres and potential impacts on future ARC and PLC payments.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
The Nashville Ag Club meets monthly to discuss current issues and hear from inspiring agriculture-related speakers.
As the White House works to close the trade gap, patience is wearing thin for some lawmakers. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says farmers are getting backed into a corner.
Dirt Diaries is where women in agriculture pull back the curtain and get real. The latest episode features Zoe Kent, known online as Farm with Zoe!