Corn Inspections Strong As China Buys More Soybeans

Export inspections showed continued strength in corn movement, while China remained a key destination for soybeans.

WASHINGTON, DC (RFD NEWS) — Corn export inspections remained the strongest weekly grain signal for the week ending May 21. USDA inspected 62.3 million bushels of corn, up from 55.1 million the previous week and 55.9 million one year ago.

Corn marketing-year inspections reached 2.37 billion bushels, more than 518 million ahead of last year. Soybean weekly inspections totaled 21.0 million bushels, nearly unchanged from the previous week but well above last year’s 7.3 million.

China was listed for about 5.0 million bushels of soybeans moving through Puget Sound and the Mississippi River. China also received nearly all of the inspected sorghum, but total sorghum volume collapsed to about 122,000 bushels from 5.6 million bushels the previous week.

Wheat inspections improved to 13.5 million bushels from 8.7 million, but trailed last year’s 20.7 million. Near the end of the wheat marketing year, inspections totaled 862.7 million bushels, up from 783.1 million one year earlier.

Corn remains the leading shipment story, while China activity supports soybean and sorghum movement despite lighter marketing-year soybean inspections.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn inspections remain strong, while China continues providing important demand for soybeans and limited sorghum movement.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
RealAg Radio Host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the latest U.S.-China ag trade agreements, market reaction, and what producers should watch moving forward.
Dr. Derrell Peel says long-term price relief will depend more on rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd than increasing imports.
Industry leaders say producers could still benefit even with many operations already using reduced-tax off-road diesel.
For producers, the next proof will be actual export sales, shipment pace, and buyer breakdowns.
Ethanol production climbed to a four-week high while inventories fell to their lowest level since early October, according to energy data analyzed by the RFA.
The latest Meat Demand Monitor shows strong retail demand for beef products like ribeye steaks and ground beef.

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:

Jenna Stanton with the United States Cattlemen’s Association joins us to discuss beef import concerns, cattle market signals, and the latest developments surrounding U.S. beef trade.
Farmers will soon be asked to help shape some of USDA’s most closely watched crop and inventory reports.
For farm country, that caution can mean higher costs, slower service, and less local investment.
Rayburn Electric Cooperative’s Chris Anderson discusses rapid AI data center expansion, mounting pressure on the electric grid, and impacts on agriculture and rural communities.
Growers should work with local agronomists, check state registrations, and follow all restricted-use label requirements.
The BMO 2026 Wine Market Report describes the wine market’s current conditions as a reset, not a pause.