The global corn market is currently navigating a complex landscape characterized by subtle price movements, evolving crop conditions, and fluctuating export demand. Recent market activity reflects a delicate balance of factors influencing both supply and international trade, prompting close observation from analysts tracking agricultural commodities.
On Monday, corn futures experienced modest shifts, with the September contract closing marginally lower by ¾ cent, while other front-month contracts saw slight gains of 1 to 2 cents. Concurrently, the CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price dipped by 1 cent, settling at $3.65 ¾, indicating a generally steady cash market amidst minor futures adjustments.
- Corn futures showed mixed shifts, with the September contract slightly down.
- Cash corn prices remained generally steady despite minor adjustments.
- U.S. corn crop development is slightly behind average pace, with overall conditions seeing a minor decline.
- U.S. export demand presented a mixed picture; private sales were announced, but weekly shipments decreased.
- Brazil’s second corn crop harvest is nearing completion, and planting for the new crop has begun.
Domestic Crop Development and Outlook
The latest weekly Crop Progress report from the USDA provides a detailed snapshot of the U.S. corn crop’s advancement. As of Sunday, 97% of the crop had reached the silking stage and 72% was in the dough stage, both figures trailing the normal pace by 1%. Additionally, 27% of the crop was dented, and 3% had matured. Overall conditions for the corn crop experienced a slight decline, dropping 1 point to 71% rated good to excellent. Further insights into the season’s yield potential are anticipated from the annual ProFarmer crop tour, which commenced recently, with early reports suggesting mixed yields across various regions. Results for key states like Ohio and South Dakota are expected to inform market sentiment as the tour progresses.
Global Trade Dynamics
Demand-side indicators presented a mixed picture for U.S. corn. The USDA announced a private export sale of 124,000 metric tons (MT) of new crop corn designated for unknown destinations, signaling ongoing international interest. However, weekly export inspection data revealed a notable contraction in shipments. For the week ending August 14, corn exports totaled 1.05 million MT, representing a 30.99% decrease from the previous week and a 13.7% decline year-over-year for the same period. Mexico emerged as the primary destination for these shipments, receiving 376,919 MT, followed by Japan with 173,622 MT and South Korea with 132,555 MT. Despite the recent weekly decline, the marketing year-to-date shipments since September 1 have reached 64.22 million MT, marking a significant 28.03% increase compared to the previous year.
Internationally, Brazil’s agricultural sector continues its harvest season. Estimates from AgRural indicate that 94% of Brazil’s second corn crop in the central-south region has been harvested. Simultaneously, planting for the 2025/25 first crop has commenced, reaching 1.6% completion, underscoring the ongoing cyclical nature of global grain production.
The composite market data reflects a cautious tone among traders as domestic growing conditions, export pace, and international crop developments collectively shape the near-term trajectory of corn prices.
Recent closing prices for key corn contracts were as follows:
- September 2025 Corn: $3.83, down ¾ cent
- December 2025 Corn: $4.06 ¼, up 1 ¼ cents
- March 2026 Corn: $4.24 ¼, up 1 ¾ cents
Cash prices also reflected the market’s subdued activity:
- Nearby Cash: $3.65 ¾, down 1 cent
- New Crop Cash: $3.61 ⅜, unchanged
Jonathan Reed received his MA in Journalism from Columbia University and has reported on corporate governance and leadership for major business magazines. His coverage focuses on executive decision-making, startup innovation, and the evolving role of technology in driving business growth.