CORRECTED-CBOT corn ticks down on a day of light trade

Dec 31 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade corn futures eased slightly on Wednesday on a day of thin pre-holiday trade, awaiting fresh news.

U.S. exports continue to be robust, analysts said, but expectations of a large South American crop are weighing on the market.

• The USDA reported net export sales of U.S. 2025-26 corn in the week ended December 18 at 2.2 million metric tons, topping a range of trade expectations for 1 million to 2 million tons.

• Farmers in Argentina have planted 84.2% of the estimated 2025/2026 corn area, the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange said on Tuesday.

• Argentina is the world's third largest exporter of corn.

• CBOT March corn CH26 settled 1/4 cent lower at $4.40-1/4 per bushel.

• For the year, CBOT corn Cv1 was down 18-1/4 cents a bushel or 3.98%, its 3rd consecutive annual decline.