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
Cuba remains a small but dependable, cash-only outlet for U.S. grain and food products.
Expanding cheese exports are strengthening U.S. milk demand and reinforcing global competitiveness.
Benchmark machinery costs against those of similar-sized, high-performing operations to inform equipment and investment decisions.
Record pace corn exports are helping stabilize prices despite softer global grain production and ongoing supply competition.
Broader export demand helps stabilize prices and supports stronger marketing opportunities over time.

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:

Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.
Often overlooked, cotton wholesalers act as stabilizers during market stress, translating fragmented retail demand into workable production programs for mills and manufacturers.
Strong blending demand continues to support ethanol use even as production and exports fluctuate.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer helps producers navigate farm program payments and understand the key details farmers need to know.
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.