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
China’s pullback is hitting core U.S. commodities hard, reshaping export expectations for soybeans, cotton, grains, and livestock.
Slower grain movement may pressure basis, but falling diesel prices could help offset transportation costs.
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
“I’m not sure where this bridge goes,” trader Brady Huck with Advanced Trading told RFD-TV News earlier this week.
Ethanol output softened, but underlying supply-and-demand trends indicate stable longer-term use despite short-term volatility in blending and exports.

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:

Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
Greater transparency into USDA-backed lending can help rural lenders and producers better assess credit availability and investment trends.
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.