NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Transportation costs for U.S. grain exports eased in the second quarter of 2025, lowering landed costs for most routes and boosting inspection volumes.
October rail freight costs for grain have dropped to their lowest level in six years as sluggish soybean export demand weighs on the market.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service reported that Gulf-route transportation costs fell 1 percent for both corn and soybeans compared to last year, with ocean freight down 24 percent. Quarter-to-quarter, costs dropped 18 percent for corn and 22 percent for soybeans thanks to cheaper trucking and the seasonal reopening of the Upper Mississippi River.
Corn inspections through the Gulf reached 10 million metric tons (394 million bushels), up 43 percent year-over-year, while soybean inspections totaled 2.9 million metric tons (mmt), or 106 million bushels, up 7 percent.
In the Pacific Northwest, transportation costs fell 7 percent for corn and 6 percent for soybeans from last year. Inspections there rose to 6.8 mmt (268 million bushels) of corn, up 26 percent, and 0.2 mmt (7 million bushels) of soybeans, up 222 percent.
Looking ahead, USDA projects U.S. corn exports in 2025/26 to climb 2 percent to 73.03 mmt (2.87 billion bushels), while soybean exports are expected to fall 9 percent to 46.40 mmt (1.70 billion bushels).
Analysts say China’s absence from U.S. corn and soybean purchases remains a key uncertainty even as Mexico, Japan, and South Korea continue to anchor demand.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Cheaper freight is helping exports move, especially corn, but weaker soybean demand looms large. Farmers should watch Gulf and PNW flows closely as transportation and trade dynamics set the tone for the new marketing year.
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
October 30, 2025 03:25 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the implications for farmers.
October 30, 2025 02:37 PM
·
Chris Bliley with Growth Energy discusses ongoing concerns about U.S. ethanol exports and the expansion of market access promised under the Phase One deal between the U.S. and China.
October 30, 2025 02:30 PM
·
“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”
October 30, 2025 02:20 PM
·
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
·
Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
October 30, 2025 12:04 PM
·
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
October 30, 2025 10:37 AM
·
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
October 29, 2025 03:04 PM
·
If confirmed, early Chinese buys tighten nearby Gulf/PNW capacity and could bump basis in export-oriented regions.
October 29, 2025 10:15 AM
·
