U.S. corn export inspections surged dramatically last week, while soybean movements continued to dip, according to the USDA’s latest grain export inspections report. Wheat exports also found solid footing. 

For the week ending Oct. 30, corn export inspections totaled 1.67 million metric tons (MMT), up 234 percent from the previous week and more than double the volumes seen the same week last year. Shipments fell short of their marketing-year high but were the second-highest for the season. 

Mexico was the No. 1 destination for U.S. corn last week, followed by South Korea, Japan, and Spain. Accumulated inspections for the season rose to 12.26 MMT, sitting 64 percent higher year-over-year. 

Sorghum export inspections rebounded by 76 percent last week to 67,500 metric tons (MT). All of the grain was bound for Saudi Arabia for the week. However, movements for the 2025/26 season remained nearly 60 percent behind last year at 229,200 MT. 

Soybean movements fell for a second consecutive week, dipping 17 percent from the previous week to 965,100 MT. Volumes were also 58 percent lower than a year ago. Shipments tend to soften heading deeper into the fall. However, the lack of demand from China has kept inspections relatively low. 

Traders have told media outlets that China has been buying U.S. soybeans. However, those reports haven’t been confirmed due to the lack of USDA data during the government shutdown. The bushels that China has allegedly bought may also not show up in weekly shipment data until next year following large purchases from Argentina. 

Last week, Egypt was the No. 1 destination for U.S. soybeans. Italy, Mexico, Japan, and Vietnam were also in the top five. Marketing year-to-date soybean inspections reached 7.78 MMT, which were 40 percent lower than a year ago. 

Wheat export inspections rebounded to 350,300 MT, up 30 percent from the previous week and 61 percent higher than the same week last year. Wheat shipments have entered their seasonal lull but remain higher than in previous years. 

The Philippines was the top destination for wheat shipments last week. South Korea, Nigeria, and Mexico also landed in the top five. 

Total inspections for the 2025/26 marketing year rose to 11.83 MMT, sitting 20.5 percent higher than a year ago. Bloomberg reported that China is seeking to buy U.S. soft red winter wheat as a “goodwill gesture” following recent talks between President Trump and President Xi.

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