Heavy rains threaten China’s corn harvest

Corn is a cornerstone of China’s agricultural economy, serving primarily as animal feed and a key ingredient in snack food and ethanol production. Current disruptions threaten to strain livestock feed supply chains, potentially driving up feed and meat prices in the coming months.

China has been reducing its corn imports, particularly from the US, in an effort to strengthen food self-sufficiency. This year, imports have plunged by 93%, falling below 1 million tons. Such a steep decline has exposed China’s vulnerability to climate shocks.

“There isn’t much of a buffer against production losses,” noted Sitonia Consulting Co. The firm warned that the combined impact of extreme weather and reduced trade could tighten supply well into 2026.

Government response and price pressure

In Henan, local corn prices have dropped more than 3% this month. Farmers are racing to sell freshly harvested crops before quality deteriorates further. The rush to offload wet grain is intensifying downward pressure on prices.

In response, the Chinese government has allocated USD 68 million in emergency aid. The funding will support grain drying, drainage, and flood recovery. Officials are also monitoring other affected crops, including soybeans and peanuts, with harvest completion now at roughly 70% nationwide.

Climate risks loom over next planting season

Although northern rains are easing, tropical storms in southern China now threaten rice and sugarcane production.

Meanwhile, the winter wheat planting season is underway, and the Ministry of Agriculture has launched a 60-day campaign to mitigate flood-related damage and restore farmland.

The series of weather extremes has renewed calls for climate adaptation strategies. As growing conditions become more unpredictable, securing China’s food supply will require more resilient systems and proactive planning.