Pacific Northwest Corn Exports Set Record Pace Amid Harvest

The Pacific Northwest saw its highest weekly corn exports in mid-September, according to the USDA. During that week, a total of 705,917 metric tons of corn were inspected for export, with 80% destined for Japan and 20% for South Korea.

This is an all-time record for that particular week and the third-largest weekly Pacific Northwest corn export volume so far in 2026. The strong demand for rail service was driven by the beginning of harvest across the Corn Belt.

U.S. Class I railroads originated 28,001 grain carloads during the week ending September 12, up 16% from a year earlier and 30% above the three-year average. Rail costs are expected to rise next month, with western Corn Belt tariff rates increasing $200 to $225 per car on some routes to Pacific Northwest terminals.