China expects strong grain harvest despite floods, typhoons and drought

China is expecting a strong grain harvest in 2026 despite floods, typhoons, heat and localized drought in some regions. Crop conditions remain favorable across most major producing areas, supporting the outlook for the autumn harvest.

The country’s summer grain output has already reached a record 150.75 mln tons, up 0.7% year on year and exceeding 150 mln tons for the first time. Wheat production totaled 138.95 mln tons, up 0.6% y/y.

Production increased despite a slight decline in planted area, supported by higher yields. At the same time, the area planted to autumn-harvested crops expanded, with these crops accounting for around three quarters of China’s annual grain output.

As of mid-September, weather conditions in most key producing regions remained favorable for the development of corn, rice and soybeans. Authorities are also increasing the use of machinery and drying capacity to reduce weather-related harvest losses.

In Hubei province, prolonged rainfall prompted the deployment of around 36 thsd machines, more than 40 thsd operators and 1,658 grain dryers. This helped shorten the harvesting period in some areas from around ten days to just three.

Tags: drought, weather conditions, China, harvest, grain