WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. grain export inspections softened during the week ending January 15, with soybeans posting a notable pullback while corn and wheat remained seasonally solid. USDA Market News data show total grain inspections of roughly 133 million bushels, down from the prior week but still ahead of the same period last year.
Corn inspections totaled about 58.4 million bushels, slightly below the previous week yet well above year-ago levels. Marketing-year-to-date corn inspections now stand near 1.18 billion bushels, reflecting strong early-season movement supported by competitive Gulf and Pacific Northwest shipments.
Soybean inspections fell sharply to roughly 49.1 million bushels, down from the previous week’s pace. Despite the slowdown, marketing-year-to-date soybean inspections total about 710 million bushels, with China remaining the dominant destination through Gulf and Pacific Northwest ports. Japan, Germany, Egypt, and Mexico also accounted for meaningful weekly volumes.
Wheat inspections improved week to week, totaling about 14.4 million bushels. Cumulative wheat inspections for the current marketing year are approximately 587 million bushels, running ahead of last year’s pace. Hard red spring and soft red winter wheat led shipments, with strong activity in the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf.
Sorghum inspections reached roughly 6.9 million bushels for the week, bringing marketing-year-to-date shipments to about 46.4 million bushels, slightly behind last year.
Overall inspection trends suggest export demand remains supportive but uneven, with soybeans entering a more seasonal slowdown while corn and wheat continue to benefit from steady global buying interest.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
January 21, 2026 11:50 AM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
