The USDA’s ongoing government shutdown has halted several key reports, including WASDE, crop progress, and export sales, yet export inspection data remain active—providing critical insight into U.S. grain movement. Despite China recording zero soybean imports last week, shipments to various African, European, and Asian nations fueled a strong uptick in soybean volumes, while corn and wheat also saw moderate week-over-week gains.
Corn export inspections rose to 51.9 million bushels, with Mexico leading destinations at 17.4 million, followed by Japan, Spain, Colombia, and El Salvador. Soybean inspections reached 58 million bushels, exceeding analyst expectations; Mexico ranked first with 8.1 million, followed by Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, and Germany. Wheat exports hit 18.9 million bushels, led by Nigeria, Thailand, South Korea, Bangladesh, and Mexico.
Overall, the U.S. grain sector demonstrated resilience, with export momentum holding firm despite data disruptions and China’s ongoing market absence.
