WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. grain export inspections eased week to week in late January, but shipments to China remained a central driver of demand, particularly for soybeans and sorghum. USDA data for the week ending January 29 show export activity holding firm despite seasonal volatility.
Corn inspections totaled 44.8 million bushels, down from the prior week but still well above last year’s pace. Marketing-year-to-date corn inspections now exceed 1.28 billion bushels, reflecting strong export competitiveness. Gulf shipments dominated, with Mexico, Japan, Colombia, and Guatemala among the leading buyers.
Soybean inspections reached 48.1 million bushels. China accounted for roughly 27.2 million bushels, shipped primarily through the Mississippi River system and Pacific Northwest ports. While weekly movement remained strong, cumulative soybean inspections continue to trail last year’s pace, underscoring tighter export availability later in the marketing year.
Wheat inspections totaled 12.0 million bushels, concentrated through the Pacific Northwest and Gulf channels. Year-to-date wheat shipments are now running slightly ahead of last year, supported by steady Asian demand.
Sorghum inspections came in near 2.1 million bushels, with China absorbing the vast majority of shipments, reinforcing its outsized influence on the U.S. sorghum market.
Farm-Level Takeaway: China-led demand continues to anchor soybean and sorghum exports despite weekly swings.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Corn and wheat exports continue to outperform last year, while soybeans show steady but subdued movement compared to 2024.
December 09, 2025 12:14 PM
·
Tariff relief and new trade agreements may temper food costs by reducing import costs.
December 09, 2025 11:55 AM
·
Grain farms still have strong balance sheets, but another stretch of low profits will force hard cost cuts, especially on high-rent, highly leveraged operations.
December 09, 2025 11:41 AM
·
Mold damage is tightening China’s corn supplies, supporting higher prices and creating potential demand for alternative feed grains in early 2026.
December 09, 2025 07:00 AM
·
Tight Credit, Strong Yields Define Early December Agriculture
December 08, 2025 07:30 PM
·
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
December 08, 2025 03:49 PM
·
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
December 08, 2025 01:55 PM
·
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
December 08, 2025 01:29 PM
·
While this month’s WASDE report will not include updated figures on U.S. crop size, officials say it will offer a clearer picture of crop conditions in the Southern Hemisphere.
December 08, 2025 01:16 PM
·
