U.S. grain exports surged to near-record levels in 2025, with total grain inspected for export reaching 141.16 million metric tons, just shy of the 2021 peak and representing a 6% increase from 2024, according to the latest Agricultural Marketing Service report.
The strong performance was driven primarily by corn exports, which jumped 40% from 2024 and nearly doubled compared to 2023 levels. Wheat inspections also climbed 15% from the previous year, while soybean inspections declined 27% from 2024.
Despite drought-induced low water conditions in the Lower Mississippi River during the final four months of 2025, barge transportation proved resilient. Barges moved 32 million tons of grain on the Mississippi River to New Orleans for export—11% more than 2024 and 25% above 2023 levels.
Rail improvements boost grain movement
U.S. Class I railroads significantly improved their grain transportation performance in 2025, originating 9% more grain carloads than in 2024 and 17% more than in 2023. The improvement followed strategic tariff rate reductions by BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad throughout the year.
Both railroads reduced hard red winter wheat rates in June 2025, followed by soybean rate adjustments in September and corn rate reductions beginning October 1. These changes, combined with improved service, helped boost rail grain movements to key export destinations.
The Pacific Northwest received 39.34 million metric tons of grain for export in 2025, up 7% from 2024 and 52% above 2023 levels. Rail shipments to Mexico, another major grain buyer, totaled 21.61 million metric tons, representing a 12% increase from 2024.
Early 2026 shows mixed signals
The first seven weeks of 2026 have shown strong export demand despite seasonal slowdowns. Year-to-date grain inspected for export across all port regions was up 21% compared to the same 2025 period, with soybean inspections leading the surge at 21% growth, reflecting resumed Chinese purchases.
However, ice conditions on the Mississippi River System have created transportation bottlenecks. Year-to-date barged grain volumes were down 35% from the same 2025 period as of February 21, partly due to ice-induced slowdowns in recent weeks.
Ocean vessel activity remained robust, with an average of 32 grain vessels loaded weekly in the U.S. Gulf through February 12, up from 28 vessels during the same 2025 period.
USDA projections suggest total U.S. grain exports could increase 4.7 million metric tons from the current marketing year to 2025/26, with corn and wheat exports expected to rise while soybean exports may decline.
