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
Rising rural business confidence supports local ag economies, but taxes and labor shortages remain key constraints.
January 17, 2026 02:00 PM
·
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.
January 16, 2026 01:16 PM
·
National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.
January 16, 2026 01:13 PM
·
Soft equipment sales signal cautious farm spending as producers prioritize cash flow over expansion.
January 16, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
January 15, 2026 01:36 PM
·
Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
January 15, 2026 12:51 PM
·
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
January 15, 2026 12:30 PM
·
Record ethanol production and improving blending demand continue to support corn usage despite rising short-term inventories.
January 15, 2026 11:47 AM
·
Tight beef cow supplies and steady demand point to continued record-level cull cow prices in 2026.
January 15, 2026 11:23 AM
·
