Friday Morning Rally Lifts Corn Contracts Higher

OnChainSleuth · 2026-01-20T19:11:14+00:00

Corn futures have seen modest gains following a decline in the previous session, driven by strong export demand, particularly from Mexico and Japan. Open interest indicates increased market activity. The market will close Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

OnChainSleuth

2026-01-20 19:11:14

Abstract generation in progress

Corn futures are posting modest gains as Friday morning trading unfolds, with prices climbing 1-2 cents after Thursday’s session ended with losses. The contract front months declined 1-2 cents during the previous close, yet momentum has shifted upward in early trade. Open interest expanded significantly, climbing another 14,050 contracts on Thursday, indicating growing market participation. The national average cash corn benchmark stands at $3.82 1/2, representing a 1 ½ cent decline from the prior session.

Export Demand Drives Market Sentiment

Strong international demand continues to support grain markets. USDA export sales data revealed substantial activity, with 1.14 million metric tons of 2025/26 corn sold through January 8—a figure exceeding triple the previous week’s volume and running 11.3% ahead of year-ago levels. Mexico led purchasing activity with 265,800 MT, followed by Japan at 210,800 MT and Taiwan accounting for 133,400 MT. This robust order flow reflects persistent global appetite for U.S. corn supplies.

Private trade activity overnight added momentum, with South Korean importers securing 130,000 MT in separate transactions. Earlier in the week, private export sales totaled 500,302 MT directed to unspecified markets, with Japan receiving an additional 260,000 MT allocation.

Friday Session Price Action

March 2026 Corn concluded Thursday’s session at $4.20 1/4, down 1 3/4 cents, and currently trading up 2 cents on the morning session.

Nearby Cash rests at $3.82 1/2, off 1 1/2 cents from the prior close.

May 2026 Corn finished Thursday at $4.27 3/4, down 2 cents, presently up 1 3/4 cents in Friday morning trade.

July 2026 Corn closed the prior session at $4.34, down 2 cents, currently higher by 1 1/2 cents.

Markets will remain closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, resuming trading Monday evening.

CORN0,56%

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