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
Recent USDA export sales data show China has been active in the U.S. market, but analysts tell RFD-TV News that the timing is a key clue.
Tight feeder supplies and lower placements indicate continued support for the cattle market, with regional impacts heightened in Texas by reduced feeder imports.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines the key difference between previous ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.
Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.
Weather-driven transportation disruptions can tighten logistics, affect basis levels, and delay grain movement during winter months.

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:

Winter Weather Shapes Markets and Early Fieldwork Nationwide
Lower oil prices may trim input costs but pressure biofuel demand.
Tight storage could widen basis and limit marketing flexibility.
Cold-driven spikes in gas prices can quickly raise fertilizer and energy costs.
Large carry-in stocks across major crops could limit price recovery in 2026/27 unless demand strengthens or weather-related supply reductions occur.
Stable small business confidence supports rural economies, but lingering cost pressures and uncertainty continue to shape farm-country decision-making.