Corn, Soybean, Wheat Exports Show Mixed Weekly Momentum

Corn and wheat exports remain supportive, but weaker soybean demand — especially from China — continues to pressure oilseed markets.

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) — U.S. grain export inspections posted mixed results in early December, with corn and wheat shipments remaining historically strong while soybean volumes continued to lag last year amid softer demand from China. Weekly data through December 11 show steady overall movement, but divergent trends among major row crops.

Corn inspections totaled about 1.58 million metric tons for the week, down from the prior week but still well above last year’s pace. Market-year-to-date corn inspections climbed to more than 22.5 million metric tons, running far ahead of last season and supported by shipments through Gulf and Pacific Northwest ports.

Soybean inspections declined to roughly 796,000 metric tons for the week and remain sharply below last year’s cumulative pace. While China remained an active destination for Mississippi River loadings, overall soybean demand continues to trail the previous season, as China sources more from South America.

Wheat inspections rose week over week to about 488,000 metric tons, lifting year-to-date shipments above last year’s total. Strong Pacific Northwest movement, particularly soft white wheat, continues to support export volume.

Related Stories
WTO gauges point to agricultural raw materials trade growing more slowly than overall goods, reinforcing the need to manage export risk and monitor policy shifts closely.
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
China’s renewed purchases signal improving sorghum demand at a time when export markets are otherwise uneven. Meanwhile, agriculture groups across the U.S, Canada, and Mexico want to protect close trade relations.
Strong demand supports sweet potatoes, but grading challenges and rising costs weigh on returns for Southeastern growers.
Pressure on grain storage capacity and stronger export positioning are pushing more grain onto railroads, highways, and river systems as logistics become a key bottleneck this fall.
The Cotton-4 are pushing hard for new value chain investments. Still, many U.S. cotton producers face unsustainable losses, and weakened regional textile capacity threatens the survival of the Carolina “dirt-to-shirt” supply chain.
Late harvest and tight supplies shape crop progress and agribusiness this week. Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Dec. 1, 2025.

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:

Buying a real Christmas tree directly supports U.S. farmers facing rising import competition, long production cycles, and weather-driven risks.
Strong plant output and rising exports contrast with softer domestic blending demand, suggesting margins are poised for volatility.
Milk output is rising, but steep drops in Class I–IV prices are tightening margins heading into 2026.
Tight cattle supplies continue to drive lower beef output despite heavier weights.
Weaker U.S. dairy prices come as value-added exports expand and ingredient inventories tighten, creating mixed market signals for producers.
The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that new single-fluorinated pesticides are not PFAS and remain fully compliant with current safety standards.