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
Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
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