Corn futures closed slightly lower on Tuesday, with prices down by fractions to 2 cents. The national average Cash Corn price rose by 1 3/4 cents to $4.08 ½. Total export sales commitments are now 30% larger than last year at 50.538 MMT, ahead of USDA estimates and the average pace. EIA data on ethanol output expected to be released Wednesday.

Brazil’s trade ministry reported a 43.6% increase in corn exports during December, totaling 6.128 MMT. This marks a 21.75% increase from November. Corn futures for Mar 26 closed at $4.44, down 1/2 cent, with nearby Cash at $4.05 1/4, down 1/2 cent. May 26 Corn closed at $4.51 1/4, down 3/4 cent, and Jul 26 Corn closed at $4.57, down 1 1/4 cents.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Corn Closes with Slight Losses