NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. grain export inspections picked up momentum in the latest reporting week, with corn exports leading the board and wheat and soybeans showing steady movement.
According to the USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service, total inspected volumes reached 2.84 million metric tons for the week ending November 6, slightly below the previous week but above the same week a year ago. Corn topped all commodities at 1.42 million metric tons, aided by strong movement through the Gulf and Interior regions as global buyers continue to secure fall-harvest supplies.
Export inspections show a mixed year-to-date picture — overall volumes are up modestly while commodity trends diverge. Through November 6, total grain inspections are running about 1.5 percent above last year, reflecting firmer wheat and corn movement offset by notably weaker soybeans and sorghum.
Corn is the clear standout, running about 66 percent ahead of last year as global buyers rebuild pipeline coverage after a slow 2024. Wheat continues to outperform, up about 19 percent year-over-year on steady West Coast loadings and improved competitiveness. Barley is modestly higher, up about five percent.
On the downside, soybeans remain well behind last season, down about 42 percent, as Brazil’s large crop and aggressive offers continue to dominate early-season trade. China has agreed to purchase around 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans before the year is up. Then they have committed to buy another 25 million metric tons each year for the next three years.
“We’ve been operating without the government here for a while,” said economist Dewey Strickler with Ag Watch Market Advisors. “I think what it is, a lot of it has just been optimism about, you know, China purchasing soybeans and so forth. They may purchase some soybeans, but I have an idea -- you know, we’re going to run into some problems because of the fact that in their contract or whatever agreement they have -- what we need to see are actual shipments. Purchases are fine, but purchases are just a burden in the bush. We need to see a bird in the hand, which are actual shipments.”
Sorghum exports are also under pressure — about 63 percent lower than a year ago — reflecting tighter U.S. supplies and shifting demand. The weekly tally still shows corn leading current shipments, but the YTD story centers on the corn/wheat strength versus soybean/sorghum softness.
Shaun Haney joined RFD News to discuss the potential impact of the Trump-Xi summit uncertainty, ongoing agricultural trade talks, and why geopolitical developments could carry important implications for farmers and global commodity markets.
