Tag: Sorghum

US sorghum exports rebound on China demand

China has been scooping up higher volumes of U.S. sorghum over the past couple of months as trade tensions thaw between the two countries. The USDA’s latest export sales report showed that sorghum sales for the week ending Jan. 22 totaled 231,200 MT. Sales totaled 526,000 MT the previous week, hitting a marketing year high…

Written by

Dawson Schmitt

·

January 29, 2026

China has been scooping up higher volumes of U.S. sorghum over the past couple of months as trade tensions thaw between the two countries.

The USDA’s latest export sales report showed that sorghum sales for the week ending Jan. 22 totaled 231,200 MT. Sales totaled 526,000 MT the previous week, hitting a marketing year high and the highest weekly volume since April 2021. Cumulative exports and commitments for the marketing year rose to 4.67 million metric tons (MMT), sitting about 118 percent higher than the same week last year.

China has been the strongest buyer, accounting for nearly half of this year’s shipments. Spain, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia have also been increasing purchases.

On Tuesday, the USDA announced that unknown buyers bought 306,000 MT of sorghum for the 2025/26 marketing year. That was the first flash sale for the commodity since August 2024, and it is the largest sorghum flash sale in at least 11 years. The sales are assumed to be China, given the strong demand from the country in recent weeks.

Helping sales lately have been weak prices, which are forecast to be the lowest since the 2019/20 season, according to the USDA. Aside from weaker exports over the past year, a surge in U.S. production drove prices lower.

The USDA said the 2025 sorghum crop totaled 436.8 million bushels, up more than 27 percent due to a boost in yields.

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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. FUTURES TRADING INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.
US wheat export inspections surge to seasonal high

U.S. grain export inspections rose last week, with corn and wheat shipments holding above seasonal highs, according to the USDA on Monday. Corn export inspections rose 9 percent to 1.74 million metric tons (MMT) during the week ending Dec. 18. Volumes were also 52 percent above the same week last year, as demand continued from…

Written by

Dawson Schmitt

·

December 22, 2025

U.S. grain export inspections rose last week, with corn and wheat shipments holding above seasonal highs, according to the USDA on Monday. Corn export inspections rose 9 percent to 1.74 million metric tons (MMT) during the week ending Dec. 18. Volumes were also 52 percent above the same week last year, as demand continued from key buyers.

Mexico was the No. 1 destination for U.S. corn during the week. South Korea, Spain, and Japan were also top destinations.

Accumulated corn export inspections for the 2025/26 marketing year reached 24.27 MMT, sitting 68 percent above a year ago, reaching 31 percent of the USDA’s export target.

Soybean export inspections rose 7.4 percent last week to 870,200 metric tons (MT). However, volumes were still 51 percent below the same week last year.

China was the top destination for the week, accounting for 386,000 MT of the total. Mexico was the No. 2 destination. China is confirmed to have purchased nearly half of the 12 MMT of soybeans it pledged to buy from the United States.

Total soybean inspections for the marketing year rose to 14.59 MMT, 46 percent lower than last year.

U.S. wheat movements jumped 28 percent last week to 627,400 MT. Inspections were the best since late September and well above their seasonal average for the week. Volumes were 47 percent higher than a year ago and topped every year since 2005.

Mexico was the top destination for wheat last week. Japan, Thailand, and China also landed in the top five.

Accumulated wheat export inspections rose to 14.75 MMT, running 23 percent ahead of last 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 fell sharply last week to just 4,000 MT. Those shipments were bound for China, according to the USDA. Year-to-date inspections are running 60 percent behind last season at 546,500 MT.

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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. FUTURES TRADING INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.
Soybean export inspections continue to lag in December

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…

Written by

Dawson Schmitt

·

December 15, 2025

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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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. FUTURES TRADING INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.
Wheat, corn export inspections soften last week

U.S. corn exports remained seasonally strong despite a weekly dip, led by steady demand from Mexico. Soybean shipments improved slightly but stayed well below last year’s pace amid limited Chinese activity, while wheat shipments slowed following a solid start to the export season.

Written by

Dawson Schmitt

·

November 10, 2025

U.S. corn export inspections softened last week but held at seasonal highs, while soybean movements improved slightly, according to the USDA on Monday. Corn movements totaled 1.43 million metric tons (MMT) during the week ending Nov. 6. Volumes were down nearly 17 percent from the previous week but was 76 percent higher than the same week last year.

Inspections were at the lower end of market expectations but continued to post an impressive print compared to previous seasons. Mexico was the No. 1 destination for U.S. corn during the week. Colombia, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan rounded out the top five. Accumulated corn exports for the marketing year rose to 13.73 MMT, up 65.7 percent year-over-year.

Soybean export inspections rose 10 percent from the previous week to 1.09 MMT, though volumes remained 54 percent lower than the same week last year. Movements were a 17-year low for the week amid the absence of shipments to China. Shipments to China may not appear in the inspections report for some time due to recent U.S. purchases set for delivery this winter.

Pakistan was the top destination for U.S. soybeans during the week, followed by Egypt. Year-to-date shipments are running 42 percent below last season at 8.90 MMT, the slowest pace since 2013.

Wheat inspections fell 17 percent from the previous week to 290,500 metric tons. Volumes were also about 18 percent lower than a year ago but aligned with the five-year average.

Mexico was the top destination for the week, followed by the Philippines. U.S. wheat exports officially entered their seasonal lull over the past couple of weeks. But strong exports early in the season put marketing-year-to-date totals well ahead of last year. Accumulated shipments for the season rose to 12.12 MMT, running about 19 percent ahead of last year.

Sorghum export inspections fell sharply from the previous week to 33,200 MT. All of the volumes were destined for Spain. Year-to-date inspections rose to 262,500 MT, down 63 percent from the previous season and the slowest pace since the 2022/23 marketing year.

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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. FUTURES TRADING INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.
China steps back in with U.S. sorghum purchases

A shipment of U.S. sorghum of unknown size is on its way to China following the recent meeting between President Trump and President Xi. It is the first shipment of cargo between the countries since the meeting.

Written by

Dawson Schmitt

·

November 6, 2025

A shipment of U.S. sorghum of unknown size is on its way to China according to Mark Wilson, chairman of the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council.

This shipment is the first known cargo to pass between the two countries since the meeting between the two nations’ leaders, Reuters reported. It also comes following China’s commitment to purchase U.S. soybeans.

China is historically the largest buyer of U.S. sorghum, although recent trade wars have impacted buying patterns. Weekly grain export inspection data shows that sorghum exports are running at the slowest pace since the 2022/23 season, and are at similar levels to when China was not a significant buyer.

During the 2024/25 marketing year, the U.S. shipped about 2.4 million metric tons of sorghum, according to data from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

China also announced on Wednesday that beginning Nov. 10 it would remove up to 15 percent of the tariffs on some U.S. agricultural products it announced on March 4, including a 10 percent duty on sorghum.

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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. FUTURES TRADING INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.
Corn export inspections surge near season highs

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.

Written by

Dawson Schmitt

·

November 3, 2025

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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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. FUTURES TRADING INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.
Corn shipments remain strong, soybeans lag behind

.S. corn exports held firm last week, with inspections staying well above average thanks to continued demand from Mexico, Japan, and Colombia. Soybean volumes climbed seasonally but remained far behind last year as China stays sidelined in favor of South American supplies.

Written by

Dawson Schmitt

·

October 20, 2025

The USDA reported another solid week for U.S. corn export inspections, while soybeans also continued their seasonal increase.

Corn movements during the week ending Oct. 16 totaled 1.32 million metric tons (MMT), up nearly 9 percent from the previous week and 32 percent higher than the same week last year. Volumes fell from their marketing-year highs over the past couple of weeks but remained well above the five-year average.

Mexico was the top destination for U.S. corn during the week, followed by Japan and Spain. Colombia and South Korea also landed in the top five. Accumulated corn inspections rose to 9.94 MMT, up 61 percent from the previous season. Total exports are running at a record pace amid strong demand from Mexico, Japan, and Colombia. Other areas of Asia have also been increasing their purchases of U.S. corn, including Taiwan and South Korea.

Soybean inspections rose 45 percent from the previous week to 1.47 MMT, a marketing-year high. Volumes remained 42 percent lower than the same week last year. The gap between this season and last season continued to grow, as movements have been sluggish during the peak shipping season.

Mexico was the top destination for the week, followed by Pakistan. China remains notably absent from the weekly reports as the country continues to favor South American supplies. U.S. soybean exporters have experienced stronger demand from non-China destinations, particularly Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Taiwan, and Turkey.

Still, accumulated inspections are running 31 percent behind last year at 5.54 MMT. Total inspections are running at the slowest pace since in more than 10 years.

U.S. wheat export inspections rose 7 percent to 480,600 metric tons (MT). Shipments were also 78 percent higher than the same week last year. Movements returned to their seasonal highs after slipping back to the five-year average the previous week.

Nigeria was the top destination for the week. U.S. wheat exports have benefited from increased demand from Africa and the Western Hemisphere. Mexico continued to pick up more volumes from the U.S., as well as Peru and Venezuela. Cumulative inspections for the marketing year rose to 11.19 MMT, up 20 percent from last year. Inspections are also running at the fastest pace since the 2016/17 season.

Sorghum export inspections fell sharply last week to just 2,200 MT. Mexico was the only destination for U.S. sorghum last week due to a lack of demand. Accumulated inspections are running 74 percent behind last season at 123,400 MT.

The USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service will publish its weekly export inspections report amid the government shutdown until further notice.

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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. FUTURES TRADING INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.
Corn export inspections hit marketing-year high, wheat declines

U.S. corn movements continued to run at seasonal highs last week, while wheat exports fell back toward season averages. Soybean inspections were higher on the week but were well below seasonal norms.

Written by

Dawson Schmitt

·

October 6, 2025

U.S. corn exports continued to move along at a rapid pace last week while wheat shipments fell from seasonal highs, according to the USDA’s grain export inspections report. The USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service is still releasing weekly reports amid the partial government shutdown.

U.S. corn movements totaled 1.60 million metric tons (MMT) during the week ending Oct. 2. Volumes were up 4 percent from the previous week and 69 percent higher than the same week last year. Shipments hit a new marketing-year high last week amid strong export demand. Mexico was the top destination for the week, followed by Japan and Spain.

Accumulated export inspections for the 2025/26 marketing year rose to 6.71 MMT, up 56 percent year-over-year. Inspections are running at the fastest pace since 2016, according to historical data.

Soybean export inspections totaled 768,100 metric tons (MT), up 26 percent from the previous week but 53 percent lower than the same week last year. Volumes from the previous week were substantially raised, putting shipments slightly better than the previous report. Mexico was the leading destination for the week, followed by Egypt.

Total shipments for the season rose to 3.03 MMT, which were 15 percent lower than a year ago. Last week, shipments were 16 percent ahead of last year. As expected, inspections fell below year-ago levels after tracking above the previous season. Current soybean shipments are tracking in line with historical averages due to a push to countries outside of China. The lack of shipments to China remains a headwind for soybean exports this season.

Wheat export movements totaled 505,100 MT last week, down 42 percent from the previous week. Volumes remained 39 percent above the same week last year amid higher demand for U.S. wheat. Wheat volumes for the previous week were revised substantially higher, pushing shipments well above seasonal averages. South Korea was the top destination for the week, while Japan, Malaysia, and Nigeria also made it in the top five.

Accumulated wheat inspections rose to 10.18 MMT, up 18 percent year-over-year. Movements are tracking at the fastest pace since the 2017/18 season as lower prices have made U.S. wheat more competitive in the global marketplace.

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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. FUTURES TRADING INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.