Use value-to-weight ratios and import growth to identify categories with favorable FBA economics — and know the limits of this approach.
Census import records include value and weight fields that SourceLucid uses to estimate dollars per kilogram at the category level.
Categories above $8–12/kg often have better air-freight economics for initial test orders; above $12/kg is typically strong for FBA screening.
Import growth confirms macro demand. Amazon BSR, review velocity, and ad costs confirm marketplace competitiveness.
Use SourceLucid opportunity scores to shortlist categories, then run full unit economics before placing a PO.
Seasonality, IP risk, compliance requirements, and exact product dimensions are outside Census scope.
Always build a landed cost model with real supplier quotes, duty rates, and FBA fee estimates.
Higher value-to-weight ratios suggest lighter, higher-margin units that ship economically to FBA fulfillment centers. SourceLucid calculates this from Census import value and weight data.
No. FBA fees depend on dimensions, weight, category referral rates, and storage duration. Value-to-weight is a screening signal, not a fee calculator.
Heavy categories can still work with sea freight and higher price points. Use import trends to validate demand, then model landed cost and FBA fees separately.