Corn Leads Export Inspections, Wheat and Soybeans Lag

Corn and wheat inspections outpaced last year, but soybean movement remains seasonally active yet behind, keeping basis and freight dynamics in focus by corridor.

shipping containers import export tariffs_Photo by Ralf Gosch via AdobeStock_91592445.png

Photo by Ralf Gosch via Photo by Ralf Gosch via AdobeStock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV)Export movement from the United States this week tilted bullish for corn and wheat, while soybeans trailed last year’s pace.

For the week ended October 16, inspections totaled 1.32 million tons for corn (up from 1.21 million last week and above 1.00 million a year ago) and 480,614 tons for wheat (447,531 last week; 270,571 a year ago). Soybeans cleared 1.47 million tons, rebounding week over week but well below 2.55 million a year earlier. Sorghum remained light at 2,195 tons.

Marketing-year-to-date corn inspections reached 9.34 million tons (vs. 5.81 million last year), soybeans 5.54 million (vs. 8.01 million), and wheat 11.19 million (vs. 9.30 million).

The Gulf led volumes, notably Mississippi River loadings, with added strength from North Texas. Pacific Northwest shipments featured soft white wheat and soybeans, while interior rail/river moves supported sizable soybean loadings to Mexico and Taiwan. Soybean destinations skewed toward Bangladesh, Egypt, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, Spain, and Vietnam. Wheat classes were led by soft white through the Columbia River, alongside hard red winter wheat from Texas and the Gulf.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn and wheat inspections outpaced last year, but soybean movement remains seasonally active yet behind, keeping basis and freight dynamics in focus by corridor.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Related Stories
While there is no guarantee a House vote will happen today, the measure has officially been placed on the congressional calendar.
USDA’s first 2026/27 outlook shows tighter supplies across several markets, led by wheat, corn, cotton, rice, beef, and sugar.
President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are expected to discuss commodities, trade and regional stability during meetings in Asia.
American beef and pork products are gaining visibility in Colombian butcher shops through training and merchandising programs.

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:

Rising poultry supply is pressuring prices despite steady demand.
Brazil’s ethanol growth could shift the corn trade.
Fuel costs are shaping food and demand patterns.
Strong demand persists despite short-term price pressure.
High prices alone may not drive herd expansion.
Cotton may gain demand as polyester costs rise.