There is no standard MOQ for intermediates. It depends on whether the product is made continuously and kept in stock, or made in campaigns to order. Stock products can often ship in small lots. Made-to-order products usually need a full batch.
For most export buyers, the practical minimum is set by freight as much as by production. A full container is usually the most economic unit.
What sets the MOQ
These factors decide what a plant will accept:
- Batch size, since a reactor run produces a fixed amount and plants rarely run part batches.
- Changeover and cleaning time, which a plant wants to spread over a full campaign.
- Whether the product is standard or custom, since custom products need dedicated raw materials and testing.
- Packing, since a special pack size or label adds setup work.
- Freight, since a less-than-container load costs more per kilo and hazardous LCL can be hard to book.
- The plant's current order book, since a busy plant raises its minimum.
Typical patterns
For common intermediates made in large volumes, many suppliers will sell a few hundred kilos from stock, though the price per kilo is higher. For a regular supply, they prefer full container loads.
For products made in campaigns, the minimum is often one batch. Batch size varies widely between plants, so ask each supplier what their reactor produces for your product.
Ask how often the plant runs your product. A product made every month can follow your orders closely. One made twice a year may mean you must order ahead and hold stock.
For custom intermediates made to your specification, expect a development stage, a trial batch and then a commercial minimum agreed in the contract.
Ways to buy smaller
If you need less than the plant's minimum, there are options. Combine several intermediates from one supplier into a single container. Agree a larger annual volume with scheduled call-offs from stock. Or accept a slightly higher price for a part batch.
Dangerous goods need extra thought. Not every consolidator accepts hazardous LCL cargo, so small hazardous lots can cost more to ship than to buy. Check with your forwarder early.
A trader may offer smaller lots by buying from several plants. That can work, but batch traceability suffers. Our guide on telling a chemical trader from a manufacturer explains the trade-offs.
Next step
We find plants whose batch size fits your volume and help you plan orders that ship economically. To discuss your quantities, book a free sourcing review.