China-led demand boosts U.S. soybean export sales 78%

Chinese demand for U.S. soybeans surged in the latest reporting week, driving a significant increase in export sales. The Agriculture Department reported net soybean sales of 1.03 million metric tons for the week ending Sept. 24, a 78% rise from the previous week. China led the purchases, buying 589,400 metric tons, more than half of the total sales. Other major buyers included Egypt and Algeria, with 111,500 tons and 95,500 tons, respectively.

Total U.S. soybean sales commitments for the 2026-27 marketing year have reached 817 million bushels, nearly double the level from the same point last year. Outstanding sales to China alone totaled 10.76 million metric tons as of Sept. 24. This boost in sales provides crucial support for U.S. soybean producers as the fall harvest progresses.

In contrast, corn export sales declined during the same period. The USDA reported weekly corn sales of 536,000 metric tons, down 36% from the previous week. This drop in corn sales highlights the fluctuating nature of agricultural export markets.