Pork export sales up on week, led by Mexico, China

Pork export sales were solid during the week ending September 17th. The USDA says that pork sales were above average, with Mexico and China combining for more than half of the total. Mexico is one of the biggest buyers of U.S. pork and while China is largely self-sufficient and has diversified its global sources, Beijing will still buy U.S. pork when the price is favorable. Cotton and rice export sales also topped their respective averages. The USDA’s next supply and demand update is out October 9th.

Physical shipments of corn were more than what’s needed to meet USDA projections for the current marketing year. The 2025/26 marketing year began October 1st for soybean products, while 2026/27 got underway June 1st for wheat, August 1st for cotton and rice, and September 1st for corn, sorghum, and soybeans. The marketing year for beef and pork is the calendar year.

Wheat came out at 267,600 tons (9.8 million bushels), down 18% from the week ending September 10th and 13% from the four-week average. Mexico purchased 113,400 tons and Japan bought 87,600 tons. Just over a quarter into the 2026/27 marketing year, wheat exports are 344.2 million bushels, compared to 501.2 million in 2025/26.

Corn was reported at 838,300 tons (33 million bushels). Japan picked up 247,000 tons and Mexico purchased 211,000 tons. Very early in the marketing year, corn exports are 718 million bushels, compared to 1.014 billion this time last year. Sales of 2,500 tons (100,000 bushels) for 2027/28 delivery were to unknown destinations.

Sorghum sales were 2,500 tons (100,000 bushels), all to Mexico. Sorghum exports are 1.7 million bushels, compared to 16.3 million a year ago.