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
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
Export strength is concentrated in corn and wheat, while soybeans and sorghum lag, keeping basis and logistics dynamics highly commodity-specific into late fall.
A smaller U.S. turkey flock and resurgent avian flu have tightened supplies, driving prices higher even as other key holiday foods show mixed trends.
Experts highlight the importance of monitoring insecticide resistance in crops and improving disease traceability at livestock shows through RFID technology.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on what the bill could mean for truckers.
Ohio AgNet’s Dusty Sonnenberg takes us up in the cab with a popcorn farmer bringing in this year’s haul.

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:

Harvest Marches on as River Logistics And Inputs Steer Bids
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
Industry leaders representing more than 40 nations gathered to discuss the future of ethanol and other corn-based products.
Farmers display a unique optimism — planting with the expectation that weather, basis, and prices will improve by harvest — asserting that the profession is an identity, not just a job.
Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.