Wheat Exports Hit Marketing-Year High As Sales Rise

Stronger wheat sales and a marketing-year high in shipments point to improving export demand.

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Wheat Harvest at Noble Farms in Amalga, Utah, 2025. 5th-generation farmer Alan Noble on the combine.

Photo Courtesy of Heidi Richter

MANHATTAN, Kan. (RFD News) — U.S. wheat export demand strengthened sharply in the latest reporting week, with shipments reaching a marketing-year high. Kansas State University analysis of USDA data shows exports totaled about 19.3 million bushels, up 7% from the previous week and 46% from the four-week average.

Japan was the largest destination at about 5.9 million bushels, followed by Mexico at 4.8 million, Indonesia at 2.8 million and Thailand at 2.2 million.

New wheat sales also accelerated. Exporters booked roughly 14.5 million bushels for the 2026/2027 marketing year, increasing 54% from the previous week and 40% from the recent four-week average.

Mexico led new purchases, followed by Taiwan, Thailand, Italy and South Korea, showing demand spread across several important U.S. wheat markets rather than relying on a single buyer.

The stronger sales and shipment pace offers support for wheat producers facing abundant global grain supplies and continued competition in export markets.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Stronger wheat sales and marketing-year-high shipments signal positive demand for U.S. producers.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist

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.

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