WASHINGTON, DC – China returned as a major buyer of new-crop U.S. soybeans during the week ending August 20, helping push 2026/27 soybean sales to about 91 million bushels. USDA reports China accounted for roughly 40.5 million bushels.
Unknown destinations added another 38.4 million bushels of soybeans. Corn sales for 2026/27 totaled about 42 million bushels, with unknown destinations and Mexico leading. Old-crop corn sales fell to a marketing-year low.
Wheat sales reached about 14.8 million bushels, up 31% from the four-week average. Corn exports totaled about 57.4 million bushels, while soybean shipments reached roughly 16.6 million.
Cotton sales totaled 95,700 bales, led by Vietnam, Guatemala and Bangladesh. Pork sales jumped 42% from the previous week to 38,700 metric tons, while beef sales slipped slightly.
The large China soybean purchase strengthens early new-crop demand, although substantial sales remain listed to unknown destinations.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong new-crop soybean bookings, especially from China, provide an encouraging demand signal ahead of harvest.