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
Crop value concentration keeps farm income tied closely to commodity price cycles.
High fertilizer costs and global risks threaten spring margins for growers.
Heightened Chinese inspections increase trade volatility for U.S. livestock exporters.
Rail logistics remain supportive, with access to Mexico improving
Restored base acres strengthen cotton risk protection.
Record Choice grading levels are changing how beef quality premiums are valued.

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:

NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart discussed the legal process behind delisting the prairie chicken, the challenges ranchers faced under the bird’s previous protections, and the benefits of cooperative habitat management for both livestock and wildlife.
Liquidity management and cost control will matter most in 2026.
Food demand is stable but price-sensitive across rural markets. For agriculture and rural communities, the important signal is not optimism — it is stability.
Stable blending demand continues to underpin corn use despite export volatility.
USDA headquarters downsizing reflects cost pressures and may reshape agency operations.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.