Corn Futures Edge Higher as Weekly Export Activity Accelerates

U.S. corn futures began the holiday-shortened week on an upswing, supported by stronger export movement and steady cash market gains. Contracts across the front months ended Monday trading 2 to 3 ¼ cents higher, while the national average cash price also improved.

Futures and Cash Market Snapshot

The March 2026 corn contract settled at $4.47 per bushel, up 3 ¼ cents on the day. May 2026 futures closed at $4.54 ½, an increase of 3 cents, and July 2026 ended at $4.60, up 2 ½ cents. In the physical market, the CmdtyView national average cash price rose 3 ½ cents to $4.03 ½ per bushel.

Export Inspections Outpace Last Year

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Export Inspections report showed shipments of 1.744 million metric tons (MMT) of corn for the week ended December 18. Volume was 8.68 percent above the previous week and 52.07 percent larger than the corresponding week a year earlier.

Mexico received the largest share at 565,416 metric tons (MT). Other significant destinations included South Korea with 407,179 MT, Spain with 263,793 MT, and Japan with 238,707 MT.

Since the marketing year began in September, cumulative inspections have reached 24.27 MMT (955.36 million bushels). The total is now 67.57 percent ahead of the pace at the same point last year.

Weekly Export Sales Ease but Remain Above 2024 Levels

A separate USDA report covering export sales recorded 1.479 MMT of new corn bookings for the week ended December 4. Although the figure landed near the lower boundary of analysts’ expectations, it was still 56.2 percent higher than sales during the same week in 2024 and represented a four-week low.

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Market participants are awaiting the next sales update, scheduled for release on Tuesday. Trade projections call for commitments in a range of 0.9 MMT to 1.8 MMT for the week of December 11.

Context for the Holiday Market

Monday’s modest futures advance came at the start of a shortened trading week heading into year-end holidays. Traders cited improving demand indicators and firm cash bids as supportive factors, while also monitoring broader commodity sentiment. According to the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, corn exports often accelerate during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months when logistical conditions favor shipments from Gulf and Pacific ports (USDA FAS).

Outlook

Analysts will focus this week on updated export figures and any adjustments to South American weather forecasts, both of which could influence short-term price direction. The market will also be assessing end-of-month positioning ahead of upcoming USDA supply and demand revisions.

Crédito da imagem: Couleur via Pixabay