U.S. agricultural export sales showed mixed performance during the week ending March 12, with several key commodities experiencing significant declines while others posted strong gains, according to the Foreign Agricultural Service.
Wheat sales faced substantial headwinds, with net sales of 189,900 metric tons for the 2025/2026 marketing year dropping 58% from the previous week and 36% below the four-week average. Mexico led purchases with 153,100 metric tons, followed by the Philippines at 47,600 metric tons and the Dominican Republic with 33,500 metric tons. Wheat exports totaled 383,100 metric tons, down 11% from the previous week, with Mexico receiving the largest share at 92,100 metric tons.
Corn sales also declined, falling 22% from the previous week to 1.17 million metric tons, though remaining 18% below the four-week average. Mexico dominated corn purchases with 287,200 metric tons, while Japan secured 194,900 metric tons and Spain bought 142,300 metric tons. Corn exports reached 1.75 million metric tons, up 4% from the previous week, with Mexico again leading at 524,600 metric tons.
Soybean transactions weakened considerably, with net sales of 298,200 metric tons representing a 35% decline from the previous week and 42% below the four-week average. China purchased 79,900 metric tons, while Mexico bought 74,000 metric tons. Soybean exports totaled 906,500 metric tons, down 9% from the previous week, with China receiving 545,900 metric tons and Egypt taking 164,900 metric tons.
Rice provided a bright spot in the export picture, with net sales of 114,900 metric tons surging 72% above the four-week average. Japan led rice purchases at 65,000 metric tons, followed by Honduras with 23,200 metric tons. Rice exports climbed 37% from the previous week to 55,900 metric tons.
Sorghum sales plummeted 87% from the previous week to just 12,500 metric tons, with China accounting for 142,100 metric tons of the total. Sorghum exports reached 199,500 metric tons, down 5% from the previous week, with nearly all shipments going to China at 197,100 metric tons.
The livestock sector showed contrasting trends, with beef sales hitting a marketing-year low of 3,200 metric tons, down 87% from the previous week. Pork sales increased 19% to 28,300 metric tons, though remaining 13% below the four-week average.
Cotton sales declined 22% to 196,700 running bales, with Vietnam leading purchases at 75,700 running bales.
