US sorghum exports surge as China resumes purchases

U.S. export inspections showed a mixed start to 2026, according to the USDA. Corn inspections for the week ending January 1 fell slightly from the previous week but were more than double the volume at the same time last year, reflecting strong early-season sales now leaving U.S. ports. Soybean inspections remained steady but lagged behind last year’s pace, mainly due to slower demand from China. Wheat inspections showed signs of slowing as rising global supplies increase competition in the export market.

Sorghum exports, however, saw a notable surge, driven by China resuming purchases from the U.S. Weekly inspections totaled 244,296 tons, up 173,846 tons from the prior week and 243,268 tons above the same week last year. Major destinations for sorghum included China and Spain, highlighting renewed international demand.

For corn, inspections reached 1,206,913 tons, slightly lower than the previous week but 329,699 tons higher than a year ago, with Japan and Mexico as the leading importers. Year-to-date, corn inspections total 26,812,339 tons, compared to 16,266,190 tons at the same point in 2024/25.

Soybean inspections were 980,518 tons, an increase of 206,918 tons from the prior week but still 315,301 tons below last year, with China and Egypt as top destinations. Total soybean inspections for the 2025/26 marketing year are 16,401,241 tons, compared to 29,967,442 tons a year earlier.

Wheat inspections declined to 183,305 tons, down 135,345 from the previous week and 229,237 tons lower than the same week in 2025, with Mexico and the Philippines as the primary destinations. So far this marketing year, wheat inspections total 15,263,804 tons, compared to 12,757,715 tons in 2024/25. The USDA’s next supply and demand estimates are scheduled for release on January 12.

Tags: export, USA, sorghum