U.S. grain export inspections all rose last week, with wheat showing the largest increase, according to the USDA weekly Export Inspections report on Monday. U.S. corn inspections rose 12.5 percent last week to 1.49 million metric tons (MMT).

The agency also revised the previous week’s inspections higher. Volumes were slightly ahead of year-ago levels, as exporters continued to report strong demand from key buyers.

Mexico was the No. 1 destination for U.S. corn last week, though sizable volumes were also reported for Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Accumulated corn inspections rose to 28.43 MMT, sitting 61 percent higher than a year ago. Seasonal trends suggest corn exports could continue to increase over the next few months. However, the strong export pace at the beginning of the season could lead to lower shipments this spring and summer.

U.S. soybean movements surged by 55 percent last week to 1.53 MMT. Volumes were also 13 percent higher than a year ago and neared a marketing-year high. Shipments improved dramatically so far this month amid higher exports to China.

China was the top destination for the week, accounting for more than half of total shipments. Mexico and Algeria were also in the top five. Year-to-date inspections for the marketing year rose to 17.93 MMT, still sitting about 43 percent below last season. Seasonally, shipments tend to decrease through the spring and summer. However, recent purchases from China could keep volumes elevated over the next couple of months.

U.S. wheat inspections rose sharply last week to 317,500 metric tons (MT). Wheat shipments rebounded after hitting marketing-year lows the previous week. Volumes were also 2.2 percent above the same week last year.

The Philippines was the No. 1 destination for U.S. wheat during the week. Mexico, Taiwan, and Nigeria were also in the top five. Accumulated inspections for the marketing year rose to 15.58 MMT, holding about 19 percent above last season.

Sorghum movements fell 42 percent last week to 143,000 MT, reversing from the marketing-year high the previous week. Shipments held above year-ago levels amid increased demand from China and other buyers. Year-to-date inspections rose to 1.01 MMT, which was still 27 percent below the previous season.

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