According to Export Sales data, corn sales in the week ending January 1 totaled just 377,598 MT, well below the 0.7–1.5 MMT estimates for 2025/26. This was the lowest level so far in the current marketing year and 15.1% lower than the same week last year. South Korea was the largest buyer with purchases of 139,000 MT, while 108,100 MT was sold to Japan. Sales for 2026/27 were reported at 11,860 MT, within the expected range of 0 to 100,000 MT.

Census data showed a delayed update for October exports, with corn shipments recorded at a record 6.564 MMT (248.5 mbu). This was down 5.93% from September but 63.38% higher than October 2024. Distillers grains exports totaled 1.067 MMT, slightly below last year’s October record. Ethanol exports reached a monthly record pace of 185 million gallons.

USDA’s WASDE report will be released on Monday. According to a Bloomberg survey, analysts expect corn stocks to be reported at 1.985 billion bushels, which would represent a reduction of 44 million bushels if realized.