NASHVILLE, TN – Corn exports through Mississippi River terminals surged during the week ending August 13, with 1.1 million metric tons inspected for shipment. That was 176% above the prior three-year average and the third-highest weekly total from the river this year.
The strong export pace coincided with heavier corn movement down the Mississippi River System. Over the latest four weeks, an average of 494,000 short tons moved downstream, 19% above last year and 53% above the recent three-year average.
Other export regions also posted strong corn inspections. Pacific Northwest shipments reached about 400,000 metric tons, while interior inspections totaled roughly 300,000 metric tons, mostly moving by rail to Mexico.
Barge traffic eased during the week ending August 15, with grain movements totaling about 639,000 tons, down 11% from the previous week.
Despite the weekly decline in barge activity, elevated river shipments and export inspections point to strong near-term demand for U.S. corn transportation capacity.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong corn exports are keeping Mississippi River grain movement elevated as harvest approaches.