The USDA’s reporting generally lackluster numbers for U.S. export sales during the week ending January 18th. Beef sales were up on the week, mainly to South Korea, China, and Japan, while soybean oil was above the previous week, but lower than average, and corn, soybeans, soybean meal, and wheat were below the week before, but higher than average. All other major commodities fell below both the prior week and their respective four-week averages. Export business is driven by several factors including seasonal changes in supply and demand and the strength of the U.S.