Norfolk Corn Exports Reach Highest Level in Decades

Stronger East Coast shipments are giving U.S. corn another route to overseas markets.

NORFOLK, Va. (RFD-TV) — Corn exports through the Norfolk customs district reached their highest level in four decades during the 2025/26 marketing year, giving U.S. growers another important outlet for overseas demand.

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service data show Norfolk exported about 68.5 million bushels of corn, up 472% from the previous five-year average. The total was the highest since the 1984/85 marketing year.

Spain was the largest destination at roughly 15.7 million bushels, followed by Morocco at about 15.4 million. Jamaica received about 4.3 million bushels, while Egypt took nearly 3.9 million.

USDA says the corn likely moved through Perdue Agribusiness’s Chesapeake export terminal, the only deepwater bulk grain export facility on the East Coast. The terminal can receive grain by truck, barge and rail.

Expanded East Coast export activity gives grain shippers another route to world markets and could strengthen transportation options for producers across the eastern Corn Belt and Mid-Atlantic.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Stronger Norfolk exports add another competitive outlet for U.S. corn and could support regional grain movement and basis.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Final details on eligible endorsement combinations are expected by the end of November.
Higher restaurant spending could support foodservice demand for U.S. agricultural products.
Lower production is tightening domestic supplies and pushing rice prices higher.
Growing biofuel use is helping support domestic soybean crush demand.
The special provision giving producers the higher of ARC or PLC for 2025 will not continue next year.
Higher shipping costs could make U.S. grain less competitive overseas.
Higher heating costs are putting added pressure on household budgets in rural communities.
The planned UAE facility could create a new annual export outlet for American corn growers.
Slower exports and stronger foreign competition are weighing on the U.S. pork sector.
AFBF Deputy Chief Economist Dr. Faith Parum says Title I commodity payment rates are expected in November. Producers should watch for USDA application details and contact local FSA offices.
More soybeans are being processed domestically as renewable fuels drive demand for soybean oil.
USDA’s new regional cattle report could give producers a clearer view of cash prices as negotiated trade continues to shrink.