Export Inspections Strengthen as Corn Leads Weekly Gains

Corn and wheat exports continue to outperform last year, while soybeans show steady but subdued movement compared to 2024.

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 improved in the latest reporting week, with corn, wheat, and soybeans all posting solid volumes as global buyers continued to draw from U.S. supplies. Corn again led the complex, marking one of its stronger weeks of the marketing year, while China returned in soybean shipments - logging more than 4 million bushels in exports for the week.

Corn inspections totaled 57.1 million bushels, pushing cumulative exports to more than 811 million bushels, well above last year’s pace. Soybean inspections reached 37.4 million bushels, with heavy movement through Gulf ports, though year-to-date volumes remain sharply lower than 2024. Wheat inspections totaled 14.5 million bushels, keeping the marketing year ahead of last year despite stiff competition from Black Sea exporters.

Sorghum moved about 40,400 bushels (all to China), while barley and oats contributed marginal volumes. Regionally, the Pacific Northwest handled significant wheat and corn movement, and the Mississippi Gulf dominated soybean traffic. Interior rail-based shipments also played a larger role this week, reflecting strong domestic logistics despite higher freight costs.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn and wheat exports continue to outperform last year, while soybeans show steady but subdued movement compared to 2024.

Related Stories
Dr. Joana Colussi says differences in input costs, trade conditions, and second-crop risks continue shaping profitability in both countries.
Trade officials discussed export growth, biofuel opportunities and market access during the National Restaurant Association Show.
Corn demand received another boost last week as ethanol production climbed to a five-week high.
Analysts say drought, tight cattle supplies and summer grilling demand continue shaping the protein market outlook.

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:

Egg production accounted for much of the increase.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum joins us to break down what year-round E15 passage could mean for agriculture, energy markets, and the future of renewable fuels in the United States.
A tax preparer can help identify penalty and interest charges and determine whether Form 843 should be filed.
Thailand will not replace major corn buyers overnight, but renewed access could create another outlet for U.S. corn demand.
Kentucky Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton joins us to discuss fertilizer affordability concerns, Senate Agriculture Committee testimony, and spring planting conditions in Kentucky.
Agri Stats would no longer be allowed to show participant lists, rankings, or “flags,” and it could only report individual company data in narrow situations.