Strongest rains in 60 years destroy corn harvest in northern China

Heavy rainfall in northern China has disrupted the corn harvest, leaving large volumes of crops rotting in the fields and putting pressure on domestic grain supplies at a time of heightened trade tensions and declining imports, Bloomberg reports.

According to the National Climate Center, major corn-producing provinces such as Henan and Shandong have experienced the longest and heaviest rainy season in six decades. The northern region accounts for at least 30% of China’s total corn output, but excessive soil moisture has made harvesting impossible in many fields. State media warn that even already harvested corn risks developing mold.

Most of China’s corn is used for livestock feed, though it is also consumed as snacks and processed into ethanol for fuel blending. The country has been relying increasingly on domestic production, reducing imports from countries like the United States to strengthen food security.

This shift has created vulnerability amid escalating climate risks. Corn imports have plunged by 93% this year — to less than 1 million tons — leaving little buffer to offset production losses. “There are almost no reserves to compensate for harvest damage,” analysts at Sitonia Consulting Co. said.

Farmers rushed to sell freshly harvested crops before they deteriorate, driving prices lower — down more than 3% this month in Henan. The government has allocated 484 million yuan (about $68 million) to support grain drying and field drainage, among other emergency measures.

Other crops — including soybeans and peanuts — have also been affected. With only 70% of the autumn harvest completed across the country, the full extent of the damage to yields and quality is still being assessed.

Tags: China, corn