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.

U.S. exports 1280x720.jpg

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
Related Stories
The aggressive disease can lead to significant yield losses without timely treatment.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says USDA has been preparing for a New World screwworm outbreak for more than a year as officials expand sterile fly production and containment efforts in Texas.
Ethanol, sorghum, dairy, and cotton provide additional export support as major commodity trade markets remain uneven.
USMEF says several African markets continue imposing barriers that limit opportunities for American meat exports.

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:

Estimates for 2026 harvested crops remain early. Corn and sorghum are below their reference prices, while wheat and soybeans are above them.
Markets Analysts and Livestock Experts Say Screwworm Adds Costs for Producers, Not Food Safety Risks
Data centers will continue expanding, but local decisions will determine whether that growth protects agricultural water access or adds stress to already vulnerable production regions.
A long-running poultry waste lawsuit remains unresolved after a federal judge rejected proposed settlements and appeals followed.
Consumers are watching affordability, but projected beef demand remains strong enough to sustain market attention.
Cover crops may improve soil and reduce input needs over time, but producers should budget carefully before expanding acreage.