U.S. corn export sales nearly reached 2 million metric tons for the week ending September 18, dominating agricultural exports during a period of mixed results across commodities, according to export sales data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Net sales of corn reached 1,923,400 metric tons (MT) for the 2025/2026 marketing year, with Mexico purchasing the largest share at 891,100 MT. Other major corn buyers included unknown destinations (290,700 MT), Colombia (190,900 MT), Spain (97,100 MT), and Japan (86,900 MT).
Wheat exports also showed strength, with net sales of 539,800 MT, up 43 percent from the previous week and 37 percent above the prior four-week average. The Philippines led wheat purchases with 116,000 MT, followed by Italy (86,900 MT) and Indonesia (77,400 MT).
Soybean sales totaled 724,500 MT, primarily bound for Egypt (166,200 MT), Taiwan (115,300 MT), and Mexico (85,900 MT). Actual soybean exports for the week reached 512,400 MT, with Egypt receiving the largest shipment at 209,200 MT.
Cotton exports faced challenges, with Upland cotton sales dropping 54 percent from the previous week to 86,100 running bales (RB). Major purchasers included India (27,300 RB), Turkey (22,300 RB), and Bangladesh (15,400 RB).
Meat exports presented a mixed picture. Pork net sales increased 34 percent from the previous week to 29,400 MT, with Mexico (10,000 MT), South Korea (4,900 MT), and Japan (3,800 MT) leading purchases. Meanwhile, beef sales fell 47 percent to 8,400 MT, primarily destined for Japan (2,000 MT), Mexico (1,800 MT), and South Korea (1,300 MT).
Other commodities reported included rice (8,300 MT), barley (7,300 MT), and sorghum (56,600 MT). Soybean cake and meal sales increased significantly from previous weeks to 79,600 MT for 2024/2025 and 146,600 MT for 2025/2026.
The USDA's daily sales reporting system also highlighted two large corn transactions—422,956 MT sold to Mexico and 206,460 MT to unknown destinations—both for the 2025/2026 marketing year.
