Corn futures remained above $5.1 per bushel, close to their highest level since July 2023, as extreme heat and heavy rainfall threatened crops in major Chinese growing regions. China imported 1.36 million tons of corn from January through July, up 61.3% from a year earlier, potentially increasing import demand if weather damage worsens. U.S. crop concerns also supported prices after the USDA reported that the share of corn rated good to excellent fell three percentage points to 57% for the week ended August 23. Cumulative export shipments were up 26% year on year despite a recent decline in weekly shipments to 1.3 million tons. The USDA also reported a sale of 286,097 tons of U.S. corn to Mexico, including 29,808 tons for delivery in 2026/27 and 256,289 tons for 2027/28.