CBOT corn ends higher, avoids hit from increased Chinese tariffs

CHICAGO, April 4 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade corn futures finished slightly higher in old-crop contracts on Friday as increased Chinese tariffs are not expected to have a major impact on U.S. exports of the grain, analysts said.

• CBOT May corn CK25 closed up 2-3/4 cents at $4.60-1/4 a bushel.

• China struck back at U.S tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump with a slew of countermeasures, including extra levies of 34% on all U.S. goods.

• China has not bought significant amounts of U.S. corn for months, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

• Mexico, the biggest export market for U.S. corn, was excluded from Trump's sweeping tariffs this week, a relief for grain traders and farmers.

• The USDA is slated to issue a monthly update on global supplies and demand for grains on Thursday.