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
September 09, 2025 10:25 AM
·
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his insights on the incident and a deeper dive into the issues at hand.
September 08, 2025 12:00 PM
·
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
September 08, 2025 11:47 AM
·
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.
September 08, 2025 11:45 AM
·
Co-Bank Lead Dairy Economist, Corey Geiger, joined us on Friday’s
Market Day Report for a further look at the drop in replacement heifers and the trend’s longterm impact on dairy producers and cattle prices.
September 05, 2025 12:40 PM
·
September 05, 2025 12:09 PM
·
September 05, 2025 10:41 AM
·
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture shows us why breaking even is going to be a challenge for corn producers across the state.
September 04, 2025 03:36 PM
·
Farmers are struggling with low commodity prices and skyrocketing input costs, resulting in debt that is outpacing income across the sector, according to the USDA’s new farm income forecast.
September 04, 2025 01:05 PM
·
