What is the cheapest shipping method from inventory forecasting for imports?

The cheapest shipping method depends on your cargo size and urgency. For inventory forecasting for imports: Small packages under 2kg—China Post/ePacket ($2-5/kg, 15-30 days). Medium shipments 10-100kg—air freight LCL ($4-8/kg, 5-10 days). Large shipments 100kg-15CBM—sea freight LCL ($30-80/CBM, 20-35 days). Full containers 15+ CBM—FCL sea freight ($1,200-4,500/container, 14-35 days). Express courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) for urgent samples: $20-50/kg, 3-5 days. For maximum savings: use consolidated shipping (combine multiple supplier orders), book during off-peak season (Jan-Mar), negotiate annual contracts with freight forwarders (10-20% savings), and avoid express shipping for non-urgent goods. Rail freight China-Europe: $0.50-1.50/kg, 18-25 days—good middle ground between air and sea.