Corn Futures Advancing Steadily as Export Demand Gains Momentum

Corn markets are ticking higher during Friday morning’s trading session, with prices posting gains of 1 to 2 cents as the week draws to a close. This recovery follows Thursday’s pullback, when nearby contracts retreated 1 to 2 cents from their previous levels. The open interest landscape expanded notably with 14,050 additional contracts added to the mix during the most recent session.

Price Action and Market Metrics

The national cash corn benchmark stands at $3.82 1/2, reflecting a modest decline of 1 1/2 cents from prior levels. Meanwhile, the March 2026 contract settled at $4.20 1/4—down 1 3/4 cents on the day—yet is currently advancing 2 cents in after-hours action. May delivery finished at $4.27 3/4 (down 2 cents, now up 1 3/4 cents), while July contracts closed at $4.34 (down 2 cents, currently up 1 1/2 cents).

Strong Export Activity Signals Growing International Appetite

USDA export sales data released Thursday painted a compelling picture of robust global demand. During the reporting period ending January 8, 1.14 million metric tons of corn were sold for the 2025/26 crop year—more than triple the prior week’s volume and marking a three-week high. This represents an 11.3% increase compared to the same week last year, underscoring sustained international interest.

Mexico emerged as the leading buyer, securing 265,800 MT of supply. Japan followed closely with 210,800 MT purchased, while Taiwan rounded out the top three with 133,400 MT. Additionally, South Korean importers executed a private purchase of 130,000 MT overnight, demonstrating continued buying interest from Asian markets.

USDA also noted private export sales of 500,302 MT reported to various unnamed destinations, with a separate 260,000 MT allocation designated for Japan during the same period. Another 1,270 MT was committed to the 2026/27 marketing year.

Holiday Schedule and Market Outlook

Traders should note that U.S. markets will be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, resuming trading Monday evening. This near-term calendar consideration may influence positioning ahead of the long weekend.

The combination of ticking price action and strengthening export sales suggests growing confidence in the corn complex, particularly as international buyers maintain consistent demand across multiple regions.