CHICAGO, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural futures closed higher on Thursday, following an upbeat export sales report of corn and soybeans.

The most active corn contract for December delivery rose 4 cents, or 1.11 percent to settle at 3.65 dollars per bushel. September wheat went up 9.75 cents, or 1.97 percent to close at 5.0425 dollars per bushel. November soybeans were up 3.75 cents, or 0.44 percent to settle at 8.615 dollars per bushel.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday released its weekly export sales report, showing strong demand for corn and soybeans.

A total of 1,415,000 metric tons of corn were exported during the latest period, compared to the trade's expectations between 500,000 and 1,000,000 metric tons. The unexpected sharp rise pushed up CBOT corn prices.

Soybeans, under the pressure of the U.S.-China trade tensions, fell during the morning session. However, report of 865,000 metric tons of export sales vs. the trade's expectations between 300,000 and 1,000,000 metric tone also supported the CBOT soybeans, which managed to close in the positive territory.

Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions in the world's key wheat growing regions continue to push up wheat futures. Enditem