US Grain Exports See Decline in Latest USDA Report

USDA reported lower grain export inspections for the week ended June 19, with soybeans and wheat below last year's levels. Corn inspections were higher than last year. Current year inspections for corn and soybeans are above last year's pace, while wheat inspections are behind. CBOT grain futures are down in early trading.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported lower grain export inspections for the week ended June 19, with soybeans and wheat below last year's levels. Corn inspections, however, were higher than last year. The current year inspections for corn and soybeans are above last year's pace, while wheat inspections are behind [1].

Corn Inspections

Corn export inspections totaled 1,476,638 metric tons, down 218,867 MT from the previous week. This week's tally is 28.5% ahead of the same period last year, compared to 28.5% ahead last week. USDA projects corn exports for the 2024-25 marketing year at 2.650 billion bushels, a 15.6% increase from the previous marketing year [1].

Soybeans Inspections

Soybean export inspections totaled 192,890 metric tons, down 30,551 MT from the previous week. Inspections are running 10.6% ahead of a year ago, compared to 11.1% ahead last week. USDA's 2024-25 export forecast of 1.850 billion bushels is up 9.1% from 2023-24 [1].

Wheat Inspections

Wheat export inspections totaled 254,782 metric tons, down 208,660 MT from the previous week. Shipments are running 19.9% behind a year-ago, and USDA projects exports in the 2025-26 marketing year at 825 million bushels, up 0.6% from the previous marketing year [1].

Market Reactions

Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) grain futures are down in early trading, with most-active corn down 2.5%, soybeans down 1.3%, and wheat down 2.4%. The decline in inspections is attributed to favorable weather conditions in the Midwest, which has boosted crop production potential and led to profit-taking among traders [2, 3].

Weather Impact

Favorable weather conditions in the Midwest, including recent rains and easing drought, have boosted soil moisture reserves and reduced concerns about crop health. This has led to a positive outlook for crop production and has contributed to the decline in export inspections as traders take profits [2, 3].

References

[1] https://www.profarmer.com/news/agriculture-news/weekly-corn-soybean-and-wheat-inspections-each-decline
[2] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L1N3SN0LW:0-corn-soybeans-slip-on-profit-taking-favourable-midwest-weather/
[3] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L1N3SN0OB:0-cbot-soybeans-fall-on-profit-taking-favourable-midwest-crop-weather/