MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is the smallest acceptable order quantity set by suppliers in international trade, usually expressed in units such as pieces, sets, or kilograms. It is common in customized products, small-batch production, or raw material procurement scenarios, and is used to balance production costs, mold expenses, and logistics efficiency. When using MOQ, note the following: 1) MOQ varies greatly across products and suppliers, so it must be confirmed in advance; 2) MOQ may affect unit price, and larger quantities usually come with discounts; 3) if a customer's demand is below the MOQ, mixed orders, increased inventory, or extra fees can be negotiated. Unlike Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), MOQ is a mandatory supplier requirement, while EOQ is a calculation result used by buyers to optimize costs; unlike minimum packaging quantity, MOQ focuses on total order volume rather than the quantity per package. Foreign trade professionals should clearly state the MOQ in quotations and contracts to avoid order cancellation or price increases due to insufficient quantity.