WASHINGTON, DC – Export demand continues to support grain markets as weekly inspections stayed large for corn and soybeans while wheat slowed, according to USDA Market News data for the week ending February 12.
Corn inspections reached about 58.8 million bushels, down from 63.4 million the prior week but still strong seasonally. Marketing-year-to-date shipments total roughly 1.41 billion bushels, well ahead of last year’s 974 million.
Soybean inspections totaled roughly 44.2 million bushels, up from 42.1 million the previous week. Even so, cumulative shipments near 894 million bushels remain behind last year’s 1.32 billion pace.
Wheat inspections measured about 13.8 million bushels, falling from 21.3 million the prior week but lifting the season total to 651 million bushels, ahead of 547 million last year. Sorghum loadings climbed to 9.5 million bushels, with year-to-date exports near 68 million bushels.
Shipments moved primarily through Gulf and Pacific Northwest ports, with China, Mexico, Japan, Egypt, and Southeast Asia remaining major buyers.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong corn exports support prices while soybeans lag yearly pace.