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
Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
Early Cattle-on-Feed estimates point to slightly tighter cattle supplies, reinforcing the need to monitor prices and timing for winter marketing.
Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.
Heavy rains are wreaking havoc on Argentina’s farmland, leaving nearly 4 million acres at risk and delaying corn and soybean plantings in one of the world’s top grain export regions.
Bangladesh recently pledged to purchase 700,000 tons of U.S. wheat and has also become a new buyer of American soybeans.
Ethanol exports are expanding on strong demand from Canada and Europe, while DDGS shipments remain broad-based and supportive for feed markets.

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:

Shrinking slaughter capacity may delay heifer retention, complicating herd rebuilding plans.
Strong seasonal demand and manageable production growth continue to support poultry markets.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
Global pork production is expected to rise in the first half of 2026, despite trade volatility stemming from shifting import policies and swine disease pressures.
Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
Even small declines in the calf crop translate into sustained supply pressure, supporting cattle prices over multiple years.