Corn Prices Trend Lower Amid Lagging Exports

Corn prices are trending lower on Tuesday morning despite ending the previous session with gains of 3 to 7¾ cents across most contracts. The decline from early highs is notable, but the overall trend remains steady.

The weekly Crop Progress data showed that 86% of the US corn crop was in the dough stage by August 23, with 45% dented and 6% listed as mature. However, condition ratings were down 3% this week at 57% in good to excellent condition, and the Brugler500 index dropped 5 points to 348.

The Export Inspections report showed corn shipments at 1.296 MMT (51.03 mbu) in the week of August 20, which was down 33.32% from the week prior and 3.16% below the same week last year. Mexico was the largest destination for corn exports.

Agrural estimates the 2025/26 second corn crop at 92% harvested as of Thursday, still lagging behind the 98% average. The first corn crop for 2026/27 is estimated to be 2% planted, slipping behind the 3.2% pace from last year.