Weekly Export Sales Show Gains In Corn, Beef

Corn and beef exports showed strong momentum, cotton sales surged, and soybean sales held steady, though China remains absent from the U.S. market.

Aerial of cargo ship carrying container for export cargo from cargo yard port to other ocean concept smart freight shipping ship front view_Photo by Yellow Boat via AdobeStock_1601867486.jpg

Aerial of a cargo ship carrying a container of exports.

Photo by Yellow Boat via Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — U.S. export sales were mixed for the week ending September 11, according to the USDA.

Corn bookings reached 1.23 million metric tons (48.5 million bushels), led by Mexico, South Korea, Japan, and Spain. Shipments were even stronger at 1.56 mmt (61.2 million bushels), with Mexico and Japan topping destinations.

Soybean sales totaled 923,000 mt (33.9 million bushels), mainly to Egypt, Mexico, and Spain, while exports hit 837,000 mt (30.8 million bushels).

Wheat sales reached 377,500 mt (13.9 million bushels), up from last week but still trailing the four-week average, while shipments nearly doubled at 774,800 mt (28.5 million bushels), led by Mexico and Indonesia.

Cotton sales were reported at 186,100 running bales, the highest in several weeks, with Vietnam and India the top buyers.

Beef sales rose to 15,800 mt, up 31 percent, while exports jumped to 13,200 mt, mainly to Japan and South Korea.

Pork sales reached 22,000 mt, with Mexico and Japan leading buyers, while exports climbed to 29,400 mt.

Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn and beef exports showed strong momentum, cotton sales surged, and soybean sales held steady, though China remains absent from the U.S. market.

Related Stories
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
Pork producers should prioritize health and productivity gains, hedge feed and hogs selectively, and watch Brazil’s export pace and China’s sow policy for price signals.
While the U.S.-China framework for soybean trade is in place, Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs tells us he will believe it when he sees it.
Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.

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:

NEFB President Mark McHargue recaps the Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention, producer sentiment in Nebraska, and discusses key issues facing agriculture.
Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
Record ethanol production and improving blending demand continue to support corn usage despite rising short-term inventories.
Tight beef cow supplies and steady demand point to continued record-level cull cow prices in 2026.
A disciplined, breakeven-based marketing plan helps protect margins and reduce risk, even when markets remain unpredictable.