U.S. Export Sales Show Strong Corn Demand Growth

Strong corn exports are anchoring U.S. trade, while soybean sales remain steady, but shipments lag.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — U.S. export sales for the week ending September 18 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Inspection Service showed corn leading the pace while soybeans and wheat also moved briskly.

Grain Exports

Net corn sales reached 1.92 million metric tons (75.7 million bushels), with top buyers Mexico, unknown destinations, and Colombia. Shipments totaled 51.8 million bushels, led by Mexico and Japan. Sales were well above last year’s levels, signaling robust early demand.

Soybean net sales totaled 724,500 metric tons (26.6 million bushels), with Egypt, Taiwan, and Mexico topping the list. Shipments were lighter at 18.8 million bushels, led by Egypt and Indonesia.

Wheat sales reached 539,800 metric tons (19.8 million bushels), up sharply from last week, with the Philippines and Italy as top markets. Shipments were 32.9 million bushels, led by the Philippines and Indonesia.

Cotton sales slowed to 86,100 bales, down sharply from the previous week, although shipments improved to 137,200 bales, led by Vietnam and India.

Meat Exports

Pork net sales reached 29,400 metric tons, with Mexico and South Korea being the largest buyers.

Beef sales were modest at 8,400 metric tons, down nearly half from last week.

Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong corn exports are anchoring U.S. trade, while soybean sales remain steady but shipments lag, wheat demand is improving, and cotton sales softened despite stronger shipments.
Related Stories
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
While the U.S.-China framework for soybean trade is in place, Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs tells us he will believe it when he sees it.
Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.
The Court may limit emergency tariff powers, complicating a key bargaining tool; ag could see shifts in input costs and export dynamics as China, Brazil, and India talks evolve.
U.S. sugar producers and processors should brace for price pressure and challenging export logistics with global sugar supply ramping up — driven by Brazil, India, and Thailand — especially at the raw processing level.
David Klein with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) shares an end-of-harvest update and a peek at the farmland market in Central Illinois.
Host of RealAg Radio Shaun Haney discusses how the proposed reductions to agriculture programs in Canada’s new budget could affect research and support programs that farmers need.
The Sheinbaum–Rollins meeting signals progress, but the focus remains on fully containing screwworm before cross-border movement resumes.

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:

ARC-CO delivers the bulk of 2024 support, offering key margin relief as producers manage tight operating conditions.
Higher menu prices and tax-free tips are reshaping restaurant economics, sharply lifting server take-home pay even as diners face higher out-the-door costs.
USDA’s steady yields and heavy global stocks keep grains range-bound unless demand firms or South American weather becomes a real threat.
As economic pressures continue to squeeze agriculture, ag lenders are signaling a more cautious outlook for farm profitability heading into next year, particularly among grain producers facing lower commodity prices and higher operating costs.
China’s cost advantage with Brazilian soybeans and vague public messaging leave U.S. export prospects uncertain heading into winter.
Expanded aerial capacity strengthens the U.S.–Mexico buffer against screwworm, providing cattle producers with stronger protection heading into winter and reducing risk to herds along the southern tier.