U.S. Grain Export Inspections Fall Sharply from Last Week

Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. grain export inspections dropped to 2.55 million metric tons for the week ending October 23, 2025 — down about 25 percent from the previous week and well below the same week a year ago, according to USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service.

Corn remained the top mover at 1.19 million tons, a decline from 1.32 million the prior week, though cumulative shipments since September 1 are now 10.5 million tons — well ahead of last year’s pace. Soybeans saw the steepest week-to-week drop, falling to 1.06 million tons versus 1.59 million the week before and less than half the 2.63 million recorded during the same week in 2024. Wheat exports totaled 259,000 tons, about half of last week’s volume.

By destination, key soybean buyers included Egypt, Mexico, Germany, Italy, and several Southeast Asian markets, including Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Corn shipments moved primarily through the Mississippi River system, with Mexico, Colombia, and Spain leading destinations.

So far this marketing year, total grain exports inspected stand at 28.9 million metric tons, up about 5 percent from last year’s pace. However, analysts note the slowdown reflects both seasonal logistics and market uncertainty tied to trade negotiations with Canada, China, and Brazil.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
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Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.

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.

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