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
Lane Howard and Adam Andrews with the National Corn Growers Association joined us in the studio discuss EPA’s approval of summer E15 sales, ongoing fuel market concerns, and the industry’s push for a long-term biofuels solution for farmers.
While the Farm Bill is top of mind right now, it is far from the only issue getting attention in Washington.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, discusses EPA DEF system changes and what they mean for the supply chain and fuel costs.
JBS says the plant is now operating at full capacity as plant workers return to work.
Rising costs and prices are shifting acreage toward soybeans. Most fertilizer prices are up double digits from this time last year, with Urea seeing the largest gains.
Brandy Carroll with the Arkansas Farm Bureau shares an update on planting conditions and what producers are facing this season.

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:

RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains shifting global trade dynamics and what they could mean for agriculture and energy markets.
Rising diesel and energy costs are squeezing farmers and rural communities, increasing production expenses and raising concerns about consumer demand for beef even as U.S. meat exports regain the Australian market.
Rising input costs may squeeze margins and shift planting decisions. Scott Metzger with the American Soybean Association discusses fertilizer market pressures and what is at stake for farmers as planting season ramps up.
Fertilizer relief may be limited despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz this week. AgriSompo’s Brooks York discusses marketing strategies, crop insurance considerations, and other tips for producers navigating volatility this planting season.
Reduced driver supply may increase freight costs this season.
Global trade uncertainty could impact long-term export opportunities.