Corn Markets Rally with Strong Export Momentum on Thursday Session

2025-12-26 01:48:51

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Corn futures continued their bullish leg bouncing higher during Thursday’s midday trading, gaining 1 to 2 cents as fresh export data fueled market optimism. The latest Cash Corn benchmark rose 1 3/42 cents to settle at $4.01 3/4, reflecting sustained buying interest across the commodity complex.

Export Sales Drive Market Strength

The USDA morning report highlighted a significant private export transaction of 186,000 MT destined for unnamed markets. More impressively, weekly export sales data revealed a 4-week peak of 2.38 MMT for the week concluding on 11/13—substantially surpassing the forecasted 0.8-2 MMT range and towering 59.3% above the comparable prior-year period.

Census bureau data from September demonstrated the underlying strength, with corn exports reaching a record 6.978 MMT (274.7 mbu), marking a 9.09% increase from August and 60.93% growth year-over-year. Distiller exports climbed 1.47% annually to 1.059 MMT, while ethanol shipments totaled 148.4 million gallons that month.

Demand Picture Remains Mixed

The recently released Grain Crushings report showed September corn grinding at 435.36 million bushels, down 2.66% from the prior year. October data revealed stronger momentum, with 476.4 mbu of corn utilization, up 2.76% year-over-year. Through the first two marketing months, ethanol-dedicated corn usage gained 1 million bushels compared to last year’s pace.

International demand supported prices as well, with Taiwan importers acquiring 65,000 MT of US corn in overnight tender proceedings.

Global Supply Adjustments

CONAB’s updated Brazilian production figures showed 138.88 MMT of corn output, nudging 0.04 MMT higher from their previous estimate, adding perspective to the global supply picture.

Futures Contract Performance

The December Corn contract advanced 2 cents to $4.36 3/4, while the March contract climbed 1 3/4 cents to $4.46. May futures similarly gained 1 3/4 cents, settling at $4.53 1/2, extending the leg bouncing pattern across the entire curve.

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