U.S. grain export sales showed varied performance during the first week of May, with wheat leading gains while corn and soybeans posted significant declines, according to the Foreign Agricultural Service’s weekly export sales report released Thursday.
Wheat exports gain momentum
Net wheat sales for the 2025/2026 marketing year totaled 133,500 metric tons, marking a 70% increase from the previous week and 10% above the prior four-week average. Indonesia led purchases with 70,000 metric tons, followed by the Philippines at 56,000 metric tons and Colombia at 24,600 metric tons.
Wheat exports reached 440,000 metric tons during the reporting period, down 7% from the previous week but up 5% from the four-week average. South Korea topped destinations with 111,200 metric tons, while Japan received 72,700 metric tons.
Corn sales decline sharply
Corn net sales dropped 50% to 684,800 metric tons for 2025/2026, falling 52% below the four-week average. Mexico accounted for the largest portion at 232,000 metric tons, followed by Colombia with 222,000 metric tons and Japan at 182,800 metric tons.
Corn exports totaled 1,663,400 metric tons, declining 19% from the previous week. Mexico remained the top destination with 406,900 metric tons, while South Korea imported 275,300 metric tons.
Soybean activity hits marketing-year low
Soybean net sales reached a marketing-year low of 102,100 metric tons, down 28% from the previous week and 60% below the four-week average. Indonesia led purchases with 72,600 metric tons, while China bought 68,600 metric tons.
Despite weak sales, soybean exports rose 26% to 671,200 metric tons. China dominated shipments with 336,600 metric tons, followed by Egypt at 105,000 metric tons.
Other commodities show mixed results
Soybean meal sales increased 10% to 344,200 metric tons, with the Philippines purchasing 143,000 metric tons. Rice net sales jumped 75% to 8,100 metric tons, primarily to Haiti.
The data reflects ongoing shifts in global grain trade patterns as buyers adjust purchasing strategies amid changing market conditions.
