The USDA reported that soybean export sales for the 2025/26 marketing year reached 436,900 metric tons, with a marginal 400 tons added for the following cycle. While China remained the primary purchaser, the overall volume barely touched the lower boundary of estimates previously provided by Wall Street Journal analysts.

Shifting Demand Across Key Markets

Other major commodities followed a similar trajectory. Corn sales across both marketing years totaled 1.06 million tons, driven largely by demand from Mexico. Wheat exports reached 373,900 tons, with the Philippines emerging as the top destination. These figures reflect a broader cooling in export momentum across the agricultural sector.

The lackluster sales data triggered a mixed response in pre-market trading on the Chicago Board of Trade. While corn futures dipped 0.2%, soybean prices rose 0.9% and wheat edged up 0.1%, suggesting that traders are balancing the lower volume against broader supply-side concerns.