Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 16, U.S. corn shipments continue at a strong pace, supported by competitive pricing relative to major rivals. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), corn inspections for the week ending October 9, 2025, more than doubled compared to the same period in 2024. Mexico and Colombia led as primary recipients, and the overall rate exceeds that of the previous marketing year.

Wheat export inspections also rose year-on-year and remain ahead of the prior marketing year's pace. Soybean inspections, however, fell below last year's levels, influenced by trade frictions involving tariffs with China. The USDA's weekly export sales reports face delays due to the ongoing partial federal government shutdown.

For wheat, inspections reached 444,138 tons for the week, a decrease of 104,085 tons from the week ending October 2, 2025, but an increase of 64,004 tons from the week ending October 10, 2024. Key markets included Indonesia and Japan. Through this point in the 2025/26 marketing year, cumulative wheat inspections total 10,664,546 tons, compared to 9,029,415 tons in 2024/25.

Corn inspections stood at 1,129,708 tons, down 571,926 tons from the prior week but up 615,608 tons from a year earlier. Mexico and Colombia were the main destinations. For the year to date, corn inspections amount to 7,940,145 tons, a significant rise from 4,813,020 tons at this time in 2024.

Soybean inspections were recorded at 994,008 tons, marking an increase of 210,513 tons week-on-week but a decline of 913,944 tons from the previous year. Leading buyers were Mexico and Spain. Cumulative soybean inspections for the 2025/26 marketing year reach 4,040,284 tons, lower than the 5,463,369 tons seen in 2024/25.

Sorghum inspections totaled 20,832 tons, reflecting a weekly drop of 12,413 tons and a yearly decrease of 59,753 tons. Mexico was the only specified destination. Year-to-date sorghum inspections stand at 121,216 tons, down from 416,336 tons in the prior marketing year.

These figures highlight a resilient U.S. grain export sector, where corn benefits from strong demand in Latin American markets, offsetting challenges elsewhere. The uptick in wheat volumes to Asian ports underscores steady regional interest, while soybeans face headwinds from evolving trade conditions. The federal shutdown has introduced administrative hurdles, yet the data illustrates ongoing momentum in key commodities.

Overall, the 2025/26 marketing year begins with promising indicators for corn and wheat, positioning U.S. producers favorably amid global supply considerations. Sustained competitiveness and diversified buyer bases will be crucial as the season progresses, ensuring balanced market participation.