NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Corn exports through Pacific Northwest terminals surged in mid-September, strengthening demand for rail service as harvest begins across the Corn Belt. USDA reports 705,917 metric tons of corn were inspected for export during the week ending September 17.
The corn moved on 11 ships, with 80 percent destined for Japan and 20 percent for South Korea. USDA says the total was an all-time record for that particular week and the third-largest weekly Pacific Northwest corn export volume so far in 2026.
Strong export movement is also showing up on the rails. U.S. Class I railroads originated 28,001 grain carloads during the week ending September 12, up 16% from a year earlier and 30% above the three-year average.
USDA links the strong Pacific Northwest activity to last fall’s record corn crop. Farmers are now beginning to harvest the 2026 crop, creating another wave of grain that will compete for transportation and export capacity.
Rail costs will also rise next month, with western Corn Belt tariff rates increasing $200 to $225 per car on some routes to Pacific Northwest terminals.
