August 2, 2012

China's 2012 corn crop outlook favourable

China's cotton crop is likely to beat the government's 2012 goal of 6.99 million tonnes, which is already higher by almost 6% as compared to last year.

The anticipated increase in north China, along with a 2-4 million tonnes (79-157 million bushel) increase in northeast China and a 1-2 million tonnes (39-79 million bushel) increase in other growing regions, adds up to an anticipated 6-10 million tonnes (236-394 million bushel) increase overall in China this year compared to last, said Bryan Lohmar, US Grain Council director in China.

"While China's corn crop looks good, there may be greater demand for corn since the country's winter wheat crop was adversely affected by disease and poor weather" Lohmar said.

"This may result in less wheat being used in place of corn in animal feed, which may create additional demand for corn."

The crop tours were conducted July 9-13 and visited Henan, Shandong and Hebei provinces, where roughly 30% of China's corn is produced.