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
Researchers in Denmark and St. Jude Hospital submitted a new study for peer review providing new insight into how High Path Avian Flu (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle differs from avian cases.
In part six of his blog series,"Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” farm legal expert Roger McEowen tackles issue #2, foreign ownership of ag land.
In this behind-the-scenes look at the newest episode of Where the Food Comes From, “Simple as Corn, Part 1,” written by show producer and script supervisor Donna Sanders, follow the crew during their time filming in Sun Prairie and Coloma, Wisconsin.
As we start the new year, let’s take a look at some of the legislative items from 2023 affecting agriculture that will continue to play out in the political area for months to come.
The State of Louisiana is known as a major wintering location for North American waterfowl. However, a new visitor — a species of Whistling Ducks hailing from South America — may pose a problem to native species.
The FAO Food Price Index for October 2023 is out. Where do global food prices stand, and which categories saw the largest gains?
In today’s production update, Total Acre Farming’s David Hula has an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Rountree about a new, industry-disrupting product from Brandt Fungicide.

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:

Fewer acres and stronger prices suggest disciplined hop production is supporting market balance despite lower output.
Benchmark machinery costs against those of similar-sized, high-performing operations to inform equipment and investment decisions.
Record pace corn exports are helping stabilize prices despite softer global grain production and ongoing supply competition.
Broader export demand helps stabilize prices and supports stronger marketing opportunities over time.
A narrower Section 1071 rule could reduce regulatory pressure on ag lenders while keeping credit available in rural communities.
Rising production underscores the importance of marketing discipline and margin protection as milk supplies expand.