USDA_EXPORT_SALES
USDA Weekly Export Sales
The USDA’s Thursday export sales report tracks who is buying US grain, week by week — the demand pulse of the ag market.
| Published by | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Weekly, Thursday |
| Release time | 8:30 AM ET |
What it measures
Exporters must report sales of major commodities; the weekly compilation shows net new sales, shipments and outstanding balances by destination country.
Why traders watch it
- It is the highest-frequency official read on export demand — and on China’s buying in particular.
- Cumulative sales versus the WASDE export projection show whether the official target is realistic.
How to read it
- Net sales versus the expected range; large China purchases (or cancellations) are the headline.
- Track cumulative pace against the WASDE export forecast for the marketing year.
FAQ
What is a "flash sale"?
Sales of 100,000 tonnes or more to one destination in one day must be reported within 24 hours — announced separately as daily "flash" sales ahead of the weekly report.
Why do cancellations matter so much?
Large cancellations — especially by China — signal demand rotation to other origins like Brazil, undermining the export line of the US balance sheet.
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The official source of each release is authoritative. Not investment advice.