News

A mixed week for export sales

The USDA is reporting a generally mixed week for U.S. export sales of commodities.

With net sales of 2,490,500 MT, soybean sales were a marketing-year high, up 34 percent from the previous week and up 41 percent from the prior 4-week average.  Increases were seen primarily in China, Mexico, Germany, Spain, and Egypt. Exports were down 15 percent from the previous week and 13 percent from the prior 4-week average.

Upland cotton export sales also notched a marketing-year high with sales of 324,100 RB, a 2 percent increase on the week and a 46 percent increase from the prior 4-week average.  Increases were primarily for Pakistan, Vietnam, Turkey, China, and India. 

Corn export sales were down 29 percent from the previous week and 46 percent from the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations were Mexico, South Korea, unknown destinations, Guatemala, and Colombia. Exports were up 6 percent from the previous week and up 20 percent from the prior 4-week average.

Wheat sales dropped 33 percent from the previous week and were down 15 percent from the prior 4-week average.  Increases were primarily to unknown destinations, Taiwan, Vietnam, Mexico, and Guatemala.  Exports were up noticeably from the previous week and up 89 percent from the prior 4-week average.

Rice sales totaled 39,900 MT and were down 42 percent from the previous week and down 40 percent from the prior 4-week average.  Increases were primarily for Haiti, Mexico, Japan, Nicaragua, and Canada. Exports were up noticeably from the previous week and up 36 percent from the prior 4-week average.

Beef export sales dropped 66 percent from the previous week and were down 61 percent from the prior 4-week average, notching a marketing-year low.  Increases were seen in China, Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, and Canada. Exports were down 11 percent from the previous week and down 7 percent from the prior 4-week average.

Pork sales totaled 17,200 MT and were down 5 percent on the week, but still up 1 percent from the prior 4-week reporting period.  Increases were primarily to China, Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, and Canada. Net sales of 5,000 MT for 2025 were primarily to South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, and China.  Exports were down 12 percent from the previous week and down 14 percent from the prior 4-week average.

Several factors can impact export demand, including the value of the U.S. dollar, trade relationships, and the seasonality of the markets.

The USDA’s next round of supply and demand estimates is out December 10th.