Corn Futures Rise on Export Demand and Crop Outlook

Key Moments

Futures Extend Gains into Friday

Corn futures were modestly firmer early Friday, adding 2 to 3 cents following a positive finish in the prior session. On Thursday, contracts settled between 1 1/4 and 2 1/4 cents higher, closing near session peaks.

The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price increased by 1 1/2 cent to $4.09 3/4.

US Export Sales Show Mixed Forward Demand

USDA Export Sales data showed 116,740 metric tons of corn booked for the 2025/26 marketing year. That volume marked a marketing-year low and was 31.5% below the same week in the prior year. South Korea accounted for 86,100 MT, while Colombia was reported with 84,300 MT.

Forward sales for the 2026/27 marketing year totaled 1.027 million metric tons, landing toward the upper end of expectations that ranged from 0.7 to 1.2 MMT. The total was slightly below the previous week’s marketing-year high and “well below last year.” Unknown destinations were reported as buyers of 490,400 MT, with 151,500 MT sold to Mexico and 151,000 MT to South Korea.

U.S. Crop Expectations Ahead of NASS Report

Ahead of the August Crop Production report from NASS next Wednesday, a Reuters survey of analysts shows expected yield at 182.4 bushels per acre, with a range of 180.5 to 184.8 bpa. Production is estimated at 15.934 billion bushels, with harvested acreage expected to be reduced by 76,000 acres.

Brazilian Export Trends and South Korean Buying

Brazilian government data showed the country exported 1.943 MMT of corn in July. That volume was significantly above the prior month but 21.16% below the same month a year earlier. Industry group ANEC projected August corn exports at 4.08 MMT, which would represent a decline of 3.26 MMT from last year if realized.

Separately, a South Korean importer was reported to have purchased 134,000 MT of corn in a tender overnight.

Corn Market Snapshot