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
As domestic production and blending slowed, export demand remained a clear bright spot.
Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
Tight fed supplies shift margin risk to packers, strengthening cattle price leverage but increasing volatility.
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
In a post to social media, Trump said Venezuela will buy American agriculture products and will use the money from oil sales to make it happen.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.

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:

Strike risk adds volatility to already tight markets.
Technology-driven lending decisions may shape the future availability of farm credit.
Logistics remain firm, but freight costs continue to rise.
Strong corn demand and cotton shipments support export outlook.
Fertilizer investigation may impact input costs and margins.
New research shows that most farmers do not have a formal resiliency plan in place. Devin Fuhrman highlights how Nationwide’s Farm Risk Ready initiative supports farmers in building stronger, more resilient operations.