U.S. corn export inspections fell last week, while soybean and wheat movements improved slightly, according to the USDA’s latest export inspections report on Monday. Corn inspections fell 11 percent from the previous week to 1.45 million metric tons (MMT) during the week ending Dec. 4. Volumes were still well above year-ago levels amid strong international demand.

Mexico was the top destination for U.S. corn during the week, followed by Japan and Taiwan. Accumulated corn inspections rose to 20.63 MMT, up 69 percent from the previous season. Corn exports maintained their record pace last week.

U.S. soybean export inspections rose nine percent last week to 1.02 MMT but was still well below year-ago levels. Volumes were above the same week seen during the 2023/24 season, as shipments were running at a relatively slow pace at the time.

Mexico was the No. 1 destination for U.S. soybeans during last week, accounting for 132,000 metric tons (MT) of the total. China did appear on the inspections sheet as the No. 2 destination with 120,000 MT.

Year-to-date inspections totaled 12.90 MMT, sitting 45 percent below the same week last year. Soybean exports continued to run at the lowest pace in about a decade amid reduced demand from China.

Wheat export inspections rose slightly last week to 393,300 MT. Volumes also remained well above year-ago levels and the five-year average. Shipments have been trending higher since late October, which aligns with seasonal trends. Soft white wheat was the largest category for exports last week, followed by hard red spring wheat.

Like corn and soybeans, Mexico was the top destination for U.S. wheat during the week. Indonesia was a close second, followed by Vietnam. Accumulated shipments for the season rose to 13.63 MMT, running 21 percent ahead of last year. Shipments are at the best pace since the 2016/17 marketing year.

Sorghum export inspections plummeted last week, totaling just 1,000 metric tons. China was the only destination for sorghum during the week, which was likely part of the good-will purchases that were reported last month. Year-to-date shipments remain 60 percent behind last year at 470,200 MT.

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