The USDA’s latest export sales report on Friday showed a step back in weekly corn export sales, though soybean sales posted a slight recovery. For the week ending Feb. 12, net corn sales totaled 1.47 million metric tons (MMT) for the 2025/26 marketing year. Volumes were 29 percent lower than the previous week but maintained their seasonal highs. Japan was the top buyer, followed by Mexico and Taiwan. Total net sales of 65,700 MT for 2026/27 were for Japan.

Physical exports rose 8 percent from the previous week to 1.63 MMT, led by shipments to Mexico, Japan, and Colombia. U.S. corn export commitments are running ahead of last year and the five-year average, supported by demand growth from South Korea, Colombia, and Japan. Cumulative exports and commitments are still running 30 percent ahead of the previous season at 62.27 MMT.

U.S. soybean export sales rose sharply after hitting a marketing-year low the previous week. Volumes rose to 798,200 metric tons (MT) for 2025/26. China remained the No. 1 buyer, followed by Egypt and Japan. Total net sales of 66,000 MT for 2026/27 were for unknown destinations.

Weekly exports rose 14 percent to 1.29 MMT. China was the top destination, followed by Egypt and Mexico. Total exports and commitments for the current marketing year are still running nearly 19 percent behind the previous season, despite China partially returning to the market. Total commitments reached 83 percent of the USDA’s target.

Soybean meal export sales rose 35 percent from the previous week to 480,900 MT for 2025/26, led by demand from Colombia and Mexico. Total exports and commitments reached 11.48 MMT, up 10 percent from the previous season.

Wheat export sales during the week ending Feb. 12 fell 41 percent from the previous week to 288,000 MT. Volumes fell to a five-week low and were slightly below the five-year average for the week. Mexico was the No. 1 buyer for the week. The Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia were also among the top five buyers. Net sales of 18,500 MT for 2026/27 were reported for Colombia (14,500 MT) and Mexico (4,000 MT).

Weekly exports fell 44 percent to 322,600 MT. Japan was the top destination for the week, followed by Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Total exports and commitments reached 22.76 MMT, sitting 15 percent higher than a year ago. Commitments are also at 93 percent of the USDA’s target, which is about on par with the previous season and the five-year average.

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