Taizhou Customs officers inspect broccoli in a field in Taizhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/the official news website of Taizhou]

Taizhou in East China's Zhejiang province began its winter broccoli export season on Nov 25, when a container carrying 8.91 metric tons of broccoli passed inspection and departed for Singapore, marking the first shipment of the season in Zhejiang.

At a processing workshop operated by Taizhou Pterodactyl Green Farm, workers cut, freeze, and pack broccoli for export. The shipment to Singapore is valued at $14,000. Current purchase prices have more than doubled from last year, pushing up export prices and improving company returns.

The company plans to export to Korea and Malaysia next and expects fresh broccoli exports to exceed last year's figures, targeting 200 containers totaling more than 1,700 tons and an export value exceeding 10 million yuan ($1.41 million). Linhai, known as China's broccoli base, benefits from its favorable climate, producing deep-green, firm, and nutrient-rich broccoli. This year's purchase price of 2.3 to 2.5 yuan per head is significantly higher than last year's 0.8 to 1.0 yuan. Customs expects Linhai's winter–spring exports to reach approximately 3,600 tons.

To expedite clearance, Taizhou Customs runs onsite inspections to ensure each batch meets import standards. Fresh produce moves through a fast channel with immediate inspection and digital certification, cutting clearance time and reducing delays.