Despite damage caused by Cyclone Gita, Tongan exporter Nishi Trading believes it will meet a 600-700 tonne order from China.
According to local press reports, projections for squash exports to China showed a steady increase over a three year period.
A trial shipment of 24 tonnes was sent in 2016, with 248 metric tonnes shipped last year.
As Kaniva Tonga reported at the time, China imposed tough standards on exports after an inspection uncovered problems with quality control, hygiene and pest control.
The Chinese also said quarantine officers needed more training.
Tonga also exports squash to Japan and Korea and vanilla to New Zealand and Australia where it is used in specialty food products.
Tonga shipped more than 22,000 tonnes at the beginning of the century before competition drastically reduced its share if the Japanese market.
At its peak, more than 800 Tongan farmers produced squash for export to Japan.
Nishi Trading said it had more farmers growing for them this year than last.
For more information
Export demand increases for Tongan squash
Squash shipment to China may prompt more local growers to join market
