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
Fred Seamon with CME Group joins us to discuss the latest Ag Economy Barometer and the key economic pressures shaping producer sentiment in May.
IDA Texas’s Cooper Little discusses producer response to New World Screwworm in Texas, ongoing coordination with animal health officials, and the steps being taken to manage and protect livestock movement across the region.
The FAO report continues to serve as a key benchmark for global food market conditions, offering insight into how shifting supply and demand dynamics are impacting food systems worldwide.
Greg and Janis Thoren earned the honor for their conservation-minded approach to raising cattle and crops

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:

Corn exports are strengthening the trade outlook, but lower soybean movement and weaker demand from China remain major concerns.
Higher domestic ethanol blending supports corn demand even as weekly production and export volumes decline.
Specialty crop growers should confirm eligible acreage and application access early to avoid missing available assistance.
China’s expanding farm assistance in Cuba bears watching as food trade becomes part of regional influence.
Wheat Harvest Begins As Drought Challenges Livestock Regions
Unlike facilities focused on merchant ammonia, Meadowlark would convert its on-site ammonia into UAN and sulfur-containing ATS fertilizers used by regional crop producers.