The USDA’s latest grain export inspections report on Monday continued to show a relatively strong pace for corn and wheat exports for the first couple of weeks of December. Corn movements during the week ending Dec. 11 fell 9 percent from the previous week to 1.58 million metric tons (MMT). Volumes were 37 percent higher than the same week last year amid continued demand from key buyers. 

Mexico was the No. 1 destination for U.S. corn during the week, followed by Japan and Spain. Colombia and Taiwan were also in the top five. Accumulated inspections for the marketing year rose to 22.5 MMT, up nearly 69 percent year-over-year. 

U.S. soybean export inspections fell sharply last week to 795,700 metric tons (MT). Volumes were the lowest in about two months, as the key export window winds down for the season. Inspections were 53 percent lower than the same week last year amid limited export demand. 

China came in as the top destination for U.S. soybeans during the week, taking 202,000 MT of the total. Germany was the second-largest destination for the week. 

Still, with muted demand from China during the key sales and shipping window, inspections remained 46 percent below last season at 13.7 MMT. Higher shipments to Mexico and Egypt have helped offset some of the impact of lower exports to China. Total exports still remain the lowest out of the past decade.

Wheat export inspections rose 23 percent last week to 488,000 MT, the highest since mid-October. Volumes were also 61 percent higher than the same week last year and well above their seasonal highs. 

The Philippines was the No. 1 destination for the week, followed by Mexico and South Korea. Accumulated inspections for the marketing year rose to 14.12 MMT, up 22 percent year-over-year. Strong hard red winter wheat shipments have been driving higher year-over-year demand, particularly for Mexico, Nigeria, and parts of Asia. 

Sorghum export inspections rebounded last week to 71,900 MT, though shipments remained well below last year. Those shipments were bound for China, according to the USDA. Year-to-date inspections are running 59 percent behind last year at 542,200 MT.

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