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
Ethanol producers face a widening opportunity window as aviation and marine fuel markets expand, with the potential to add billions in demand if policy and certification align.
All eyes will be on today’s Cattle on Feed Report, which analysts say could give a clearer picture of where the market goes next.
Corn and beef exports showed strong momentum, cotton sales surged, and soybean sales held steady, though China remains absent from the U.S. market.
Cheaper freight is helping exports move, especially corn, but weaker soybean demand looms large.
Disease risks remain a key factor to watch heading into fall.
Sen. Roger Marshall, a founding member and chairman of the Make America Healthy Again caucus, joined us with his thoughts on the commission’s latest report and the key ag-related issues.

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:

The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
The Senate has cleared a path to reopen USDA, but full restoration of services depends on House approval and the President’s signature.
Verified U.S. data show real leather’s carbon footprint is lower than advertised — an edge for the American cattle industry in both marketing and byproduct value.
Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
Distillers dried grains (DDG) values follow corn and soybean meal trends, with ethanol grind and feed demand shaping costs into early 2026.