Corn Leads Weekly Export Sales; Cotton Shipments Jump

Strong corn demand and cotton shipments support export outlook.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. corn export demand strengthened in the latest reporting week, supporting market momentum as global buyers remained active across major destinations, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service weekly report.

Corn led the update with net sales of 79.6 million bushels for the 2025–2026 marketing year, sharply above the previous week and well above the recent average. Top buyers included South Korea, Colombia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Spain, while shipments totaled 66.7 million bushels, led by Mexico and South Korea.

Soybean sales reached 14.1 million bushels, down slightly from the prior week, while shipments remained strong at 41.1 million bushels, led by China, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Egypt. Wheat sales totaled 7.5 million bushels, falling from the previous week, with Mexico, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines among key buyers.

Cotton export activity was mixed. Upland sales totaled 150,400 bales, down from the prior week, while shipments climbed to a marketing-year high of 282,200 bales, led by Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, China, and Indonesia.

Livestock trade remained steady, with beef sales totaling 11,200 metric tons and pork sales at 36,100 metric tons, led primarily by Asian and North American buyers.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong corn demand and cotton shipments support export outlook.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
The USDA’s August Cold Storage report shows shifting stock levels across major dairy, meat, and poultry products.
The total value of the U.S. potato crop was $4.60 billion in 2024, representing an 8% decrease from the previous year.
Crop-specific shifts and strong prices highlight the variability of this year’s fruit and tree nut harvest, according to USDA data.
The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.
The USDA noted that peanut edible utilization season-to-date is down 3% on the year, despite overall stocks increasing.
“Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy.”

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:

Farmers are closely watching upcoming U.S.-China trade talks as rising fertilizer and diesel costs continue to pressure exports, margins, and rural economies.
Dr. David Anderson says lean beef demand and lighter cow culling are still giving cull cow prices room to push higher.
Stronger overseas demand for both fuel ethanol and feed co-products continues to reinforce corn use beyond the domestic market.
The inverted Choice-Select spread is not a strong warning sign in today’s tighter, higher-quality beef market, according to new analysis from Terrain.
Based on USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, pork exports increased by six percent in March compared to the previous year, while beef exports weakened overall.
Genevieve Collins from Americans for Prosperity discusses rising Texas property taxes, potential relief, and impacts on farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.