
Corn futures traded above $4.5 per bushel, staying near a two-week high as strong demand and tighter supply forecasts supported prices. The USDA raised its 2025/26 US corn export forecast by 75 million bushels to a record 3.4 billion, citing robust demand from Mexico and other major importers. It also lifted the 2026/27 export outlook by 75 million bushels to 3.275 billion, helping drive projected ending stocks down to 1.653 billion bushels from 1.79 billion previously. Meanwhile, the USDA cut its 2026 corn yield estimate to 180.7 bushels per acre from 183, below market expectations of 182.4, reflecting the impact of extreme heat and dryness across parts of the Midwest. However, higher planted acreage pushed projected production up to 16.013 billion bushels, slightly above the previous estimate and reinforcing expectations for the second-largest crop on record. Looking ahead, forecasts for cooler temperatures and ample rainfall in August and September could improve crop prospects.





