WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. agricultural export prices increased overall in June, but corn and soybean values moved lower while imported fertilizer and machinery costs remained well above year-ago levels. The split adds pressure to already tight crop margins.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says agricultural export prices rose 0.2 percent for the month and 4.6 percent from June 2025. Higher prices for nuts and prepared foods offset declines in soybeans and corn.
Detailed tables show cereal export prices fell 1.6 percent in June, while oilseeds and related products declined 1.8 percent. Meat prices rose 0.2 percent, dairy, eggs, and honey increased 1.3 percent, and fruit and nut prices gained 1.2 percent.
On the input side, imported fertilizer prices rose 0.3 percent in June and 15.9 percent over the year. Imported machinery and mechanical appliance prices increased 0.6 percent for the month and 9 percent annually.
The report points to uneven conditions across agriculture. Grain producers face softer export pricing while key imported inputs remain expensive, limiting opportunities for wider margin recovery.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Lower grain export prices and higher import costs continue to squeeze crop margins.