CN Sets Grain Movement Record: 32.7 MMT Across Canada

Canadian National (CN) has announced a record-breaking year for grain movement in 2025, shipping over 32.7 million metric tons (MMT) across Canada. This operational milestone underscores the railway’s critical role in the agricultural supply chain, achieved even as the broader North American grain market faces fluctuating export demand and mixed performance in key commodities.

Main Body:

Canadian National confirmed late last week that it had established a new benchmark for grain moved in a single calendar year. The railway transported more than 32.7 MMT of Canadian grain in 2025, eclipsing its previous record of 32.25 MMT set just one year prior in 2024. The performance in Western Canada was particularly strong, with over 31.3 MMT moved, surpassing the prior high-water mark of 30.9 MMT from 2020. This year-end achievement was propelled by a powerful finish, with December marking the fourth consecutive record-breaking month. In December alone, CN moved over 2.82 MMT of grain from Western Canada, a figure that is over 80,000 metric tons higher than the previous December record. “Canadian farmers produced record grain crops,” said Janet Drysdale, CN Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “Through consistent execution and close collaboration across the grain supply chain, CN railroaders supported the movement of these volumes to market.”

CN’s record haul is particularly noteworthy when viewed against the backdrop of a complex and sometimes challenging North American export market. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlights this volatility. For the week ending January 1, 2026, U.S. old crop corn export sales fell to a marketing-year low, down 76% from the prior four-week average. Similarly, U.S. soybean exports saw a 26% week-over-week decline. While these figures represent a different market, they underscore the competitive and fluctuating environment in which CN is operating. The Canadian railway’s ability to efficiently move record volumes demonstrates a robust operational capacity that is crucial for Canadian farmers to capitalize on their harvests and secure access to global markets.

The success in 2025 builds on a multi-year effort to enhance Canada’s grain logistics. The collaboration between CN, farmers, and port operators has been central to unlocking this new level of performance. This integrated approach ensures that record production in the fields translates into timely and efficient delivery to international customers. While global demand signals can be mixed—as seen with recent lackluster U.S. sales figures—key buyers remain active. The USDA recently confirmed another purchase of 132,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans by China, reinforcing the continued importance of major Asian markets. For Canada, having a highly efficient rail corridor is a strategic advantage, enabling its agricultural sector to compete effectively for this global demand and solidify its reputation as a reliable supplier.

Key Takeaways

• CN set a new all-time record by moving over 32.7 million metric tons of grain across Canada in 2025.
• The performance was driven by record Canadian grain crops and what the company calls “close collaboration across the grain supply chain.”
• This logistical achievement provides a competitive edge for Canadian agriculture, especially when contrasted with recent reports of slowing export sales for some U.S. commodities.

Editor’s Analysis

Beyond the impressive tonnage figures, CN’s record-setting year is a powerful statement about the resilience and strategic importance of Canada’s rail infrastructure. In a global economy marked by supply chain uncertainty, the ability to reliably move a record harvest to port is a significant competitive differentiator. This isn’t just a win for CN; it’s a critical enabler for the entire Canadian agricultural ecosystem, providing farmers with the confidence that their product can reach international buyers efficiently. As geopolitical and climate factors continue to reshape global trade flows, a high-capacity, well-oiled rail network becomes a national strategic asset, bolstering Canada’s position as a dependable leader in the global food supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the total amount of grain moved by CN in 2025?
CN moved over 32.7 million metric tons (MMT) of grain across all of Canada and over 31.3 MMT from Western Canada, setting new records in both categories.

What factors contributed to this record-breaking year for CN?
The primary drivers were record-level grain crops produced by Canadian farmers, combined with consistent operational execution by CN and strong, collaborative planning across the entire grain supply chain, from producers to port terminals.

How does this 2025 performance compare to previous CN records?
The 2025 total of 32.7 MMT surpassed the previous all-Canada record of 32.25 MMT set in 2024. The Western Canada volume of 31.3 MMT broke the prior record of 30.9 MMT established in 2020.