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
Texas A&M livestock economist Dr. David Anderson joins Tony St. James to discuss the geopolitical tensions and U.S.-Mexico border closure that are leading to sharp swings in the cattle market.
Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association (ASA), shares his reaction to news of soybean sales to China, which is considered both “welcome news” and a return to near-normal trade relations.
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the implications for farmers.
Chris Bliley with Growth Energy discusses ongoing concerns about U.S. ethanol exports and the expansion of market access promised under the Phase One deal between the U.S. and China.
“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”

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:

Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.
Record corn and sorghum crops boost feed grain supplies, while reduced soybean and cotton production tighten outlooks for oilseeds and fiber markets.
Food prices increased in December, but not as much as expected, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to provide analysis on the January WASDE report and expectations for grain markets going forward.
Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
Strong pork demand and improving beef exports outside China support protein markets despite ongoing trade barriers.