U.S. corn exports continued to move along at a rapid pace last week while wheat shipments fell from seasonal highs, according to the USDA’s grain export inspections report. The USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service is still releasing weekly reports amid the partial government shutdown.

U.S. corn movements totaled 1.60 million metric tons (MMT) during the week ending Oct. 2. Volumes were up 4 percent from the previous week and 69 percent higher than the same week last year. Shipments hit a new marketing-year high last week amid strong export demand. Mexico was the top destination for the week, followed by Japan and Spain. 

Accumulated export inspections for the 2025/26 marketing year rose to 6.71 MMT, up 56 percent year-over-year. Inspections are running at the fastest pace since 2016, according to historical data. 

Soybean export inspections totaled 768,100 metric tons (MT), up 26 percent from the previous week but 53 percent lower than the same week last year. Volumes from the previous week were substantially raised, putting shipments slightly better than the previous report. Mexico was the leading destination for the week, followed by Egypt.

Total shipments for the season rose to 3.03 MMT, which were 15 percent lower than a year ago. Last week, shipments were 16 percent ahead of last year. As expected, inspections fell below year-ago levels after tracking above the previous season. Current soybean shipments are tracking in line with historical averages due to a push to countries outside of China. The lack of shipments to China remains a headwind for soybean exports this season. 

Wheat export movements totaled 505,100 MT last week, down 42 percent from the previous week. Volumes remained 39 percent above the same week last year amid higher demand for U.S. wheat. Wheat volumes for the previous week were revised substantially higher, pushing shipments well above seasonal averages. South Korea was the top destination for the week, while Japan, Malaysia, and Nigeria also made it in the top five. 

Accumulated wheat inspections rose to 10.18 MMT, up 18 percent year-over-year. Movements are tracking at the fastest pace since the 2017/18 season as lower prices have made U.S. wheat more competitive in the global marketplace.

—

PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. FUTURES TRADING INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.