U.S. Corn Futures Retreat in Midweek Trading as Market Digests Export Data

rekt_but_not_broke · 2026-02-19T06:02:37+00:00

Corn prices fell midweek, with futures declining across the board, while export activity remained steady with the USDA reporting notable sales. Traders are monitoring energy data and export demand as key factors influencing market dynamics.

rekt_but_not_broke

2026-02-19 06:02:37

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Corn prices came under pressure in midweek trading, with futures contracts registering modest declines across the board. The national cash corn benchmark retreated to $3.85½, reflecting weakness that has rippled through most contracts on the delivery calendar. Traders are closely monitoring a combination of factors—from export flows to upcoming energy data—that continue to shape the week’s trading dynamics.

Export Activity Sustains Despite Price Weakness

Despite the price softness, corn export momentum remained evident with fresh sales reported by the USDA. Private export contracts totaling 150,000 metric tons bound for Colombia and another 195,000 metric tons to undisclosed destinations underscored ongoing international demand for U.S. corn. Separately, a Taiwanese importer moved to secure 65,000 metric tons of American corn through an overnight tender, signaling sustained Asian buying interest even as domestic prices faced downward pressure.

Contract Pricing and Near-Term Catalysts

The weakness was visible across the futures curve. March contracts settled at $4.22¼, down 1½ cents, while the nearby cash market mirrored this softness at $3.85½, also down 1¼ cents. May delivery corn declined 1 cent to $4.30¼, and July contracts slipped ¾ cent to $4.37. Looking ahead, energy markets will command attention as weekly EIA data has been rescheduled to Thursday morning due to Monday’s holiday observance. Market participants are particularly watching ethanol production figures, which had surged to record levels last week and may be expected to moderate in the latest reading.

The confluence of steady export demand, shifting price dynamics, and incoming macro data continues to define the near-term landscape for corn markets, with traders balancing supply flows against energy-linked production trends.

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