Amazon Offers 30 Days of Free GWD Storage to Help US Sellers Cut Inventory Costs
Seller Central introduces a limited-time Global Warehousing and Distribution promotion, along with a new Shanghai facility and expanded logistics options for sellers sourcing products from China
By ChannelMAX Staff Writer
July-2026#08
Managing inventory between China and the United States is one of the biggest cost and logistics challenges for Amazon sellers. Storage charges, international shipping, and maintaining enough stock to avoid running out of inventory often require careful planning. To make this process easier and more cost-effective, Amazon has introduced a limited-time promotion through its Global Warehousing and Distribution (GWD) program. The update, published on Seller Central, offers eligible sellers 30 days of free storage while also expanding GWD services to provide greater flexibility for businesses importing products from China to the US marketplace.
The initiative is aimed at helping sellers reduce storage costs, improve inventory planning, and prepare for higher sales volumes ahead of the peak shopping season.
Also Read: Reduce Return Costs with Amazon's New Returnless Resolutions Program for FBA Sellers
Limited-time free storage offer
According to the update shared on Seller Central, sellers who offer products in Amazon's US store and source inventory from China can receive 30 days of free storage for every shipment received at an active GWD distribution center between July 1 and December 31, 2026.
The promotion is applied automatically once an eligible shipment arrives at a participating GWD facility. After the initial 30-day period, standard GWD storage fees will apply.
Amazon also notes that GWD storage rates are already up to 45 percent lower than storage costs at US Amazon Warehousing and Distribution facilities, providing additional long-term savings for many sellers.
What is Global Warehousing and Distribution?
Global Warehousing and Distribution is Amazon's inventory storage and replenishment solution that allows sellers to store products closer to their manufacturing source before sending them to US Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fulfillment centers.
Instead of shipping all inventory directly to the United States, sellers can keep bulk inventory in China while Amazon replenishes US FBA warehouses based on customer demand.
This approach helps reduce storage costs in the US while improving inventory availability.
Shanghai facility expands GWD network
Beginning July 16, 2026, Amazon will expand the GWD network with a new warehouse in Shanghai.
The new location complements the existing Shenzhen facility and gives sellers another option closer to many manufacturing and export centers across eastern China.
Having multiple distribution centers allows businesses to reduce domestic transportation time within China and move inventory into Amazon's logistics network more quickly.
FOB support added across all GWD locations
The Seller Central update also confirms that Amazon is adding support for the Free on Board (FOB) incoterm across every GWD location.
For exporters, this provides greater flexibility in handling international shipments.
Using FOB enables sellers to receive separate invoices for export declarations and origin port handling charges, making it easier to manage export documentation and support tax rebate claims where applicable.
Key benefits for Amazon sellers
i) The latest GWD enhancements offer several practical advantages.
i) Lower storage expenses
By storing inventory in China until it is needed, sellers can avoid paying higher US storage fees on products that are not immediately ready for sale.
Flexible inventory management
Sellers can begin with a small shipment to evaluate the service before increasing inventory levels. There are no long-term commitments associated with the promotional offer.
No peak storage fee increases during the free period
The 30-day promotion allows sellers to test GWD without worrying about seasonal storage cost increases during the promotional window.
Better inventory availability
Amazon manages replenishment into US FBA fulfillment centers based on demand, helping reduce the risk of stockouts while avoiding excessive inventory in US warehouses.
Improved logistics efficiency
The addition of the Shanghai facility allows many manufacturers to ship inventory over shorter domestic distances before entering Amazon's logistics network.
How to participate
Eligible sellers can access the promotion through Seller Central by following these steps:
i) Open Send to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution.
ii) Select a ship-from address located in China.
iii) Choose an available GWD distribution center.
iv) Select the products and quantities to send.
v) Complete the shipment details.
vi) Submit the booking.
Once the shipment is received at a participating GWD facility, the free 30-day storage benefit is applied automatically.
Who should consider using GWD?
The service is particularly useful for sellers who:
i) Source products from manufacturers in China.
ii) Sell primarily through Amazon US.
iii) Need to prepare inventory ahead of major sales events.
iv) Want to reduce long-term US storage costs.
v) Experience seasonal demand fluctuations.
vi)Wish to simplify international inventory replenishment.
Planning ahead for peak season
The timing of this promotion gives sellers an opportunity to build inventory before the busy holiday shopping season while avoiding unnecessary storage costs.
Since Amazon replenishes FBA inventory based on demand, businesses can maintain healthier inventory levels without sending all stock to the United States at once.
For sellers expecting increased sales during Prime events, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the year-end holiday season, GWD can become an important part of inventory planning.
The latest Seller Central update strengthens Amazon's Global Warehousing and Distribution program by combining a valuable free storage promotion with expanded infrastructure and additional logistics capabilities. The launch of the Shanghai facility and support for FOB shipments make the service more attractive for sellers sourcing products from China.
For Amazon US sellers looking to reduce storage expenses, improve inventory planning, and simplify cross-border logistics, this limited-time GWD offer provides an opportunity to test Amazon's international warehousing network while preparing inventory for future demand. Carefully evaluating the program during the promotional period could help businesses improve operational efficiency and lower overall fulfillment costs.
Also Read: Holiday 2026 Planning Begins as Amazon Sets Earlier Deadlines for Peak Season Sellers
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the company.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.
By ChannelMAX Staff Writer
July-2026#08
Managing inventory between China and the United States is one of the biggest cost and logistics challenges for Amazon sellers. Storage charges, international shipping, and maintaining enough stock to avoid running out of inventory often require careful planning. To make this process easier and more cost-effective, Amazon has introduced a limited-time promotion through its Global Warehousing and Distribution (GWD) program. The update, published on Seller Central, offers eligible sellers 30 days of free storage while also expanding GWD services to provide greater flexibility for businesses importing products from China to the US marketplace.
The initiative is aimed at helping sellers reduce storage costs, improve inventory planning, and prepare for higher sales volumes ahead of the peak shopping season.
Also Read: Reduce Return Costs with Amazon's New Returnless Resolutions Program for FBA Sellers
Limited-time free storage offer
According to the update shared on Seller Central, sellers who offer products in Amazon's US store and source inventory from China can receive 30 days of free storage for every shipment received at an active GWD distribution center between July 1 and December 31, 2026.
The promotion is applied automatically once an eligible shipment arrives at a participating GWD facility. After the initial 30-day period, standard GWD storage fees will apply.
Amazon also notes that GWD storage rates are already up to 45 percent lower than storage costs at US Amazon Warehousing and Distribution facilities, providing additional long-term savings for many sellers.
What is Global Warehousing and Distribution?
Global Warehousing and Distribution is Amazon's inventory storage and replenishment solution that allows sellers to store products closer to their manufacturing source before sending them to US Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fulfillment centers.
Instead of shipping all inventory directly to the United States, sellers can keep bulk inventory in China while Amazon replenishes US FBA warehouses based on customer demand.
This approach helps reduce storage costs in the US while improving inventory availability.
Shanghai facility expands GWD network
Beginning July 16, 2026, Amazon will expand the GWD network with a new warehouse in Shanghai.
The new location complements the existing Shenzhen facility and gives sellers another option closer to many manufacturing and export centers across eastern China.
Having multiple distribution centers allows businesses to reduce domestic transportation time within China and move inventory into Amazon's logistics network more quickly.
FOB support added across all GWD locations
The Seller Central update also confirms that Amazon is adding support for the Free on Board (FOB) incoterm across every GWD location.
For exporters, this provides greater flexibility in handling international shipments.
Using FOB enables sellers to receive separate invoices for export declarations and origin port handling charges, making it easier to manage export documentation and support tax rebate claims where applicable.
Key benefits for Amazon sellers
i) The latest GWD enhancements offer several practical advantages.
i) Lower storage expenses
By storing inventory in China until it is needed, sellers can avoid paying higher US storage fees on products that are not immediately ready for sale.
Flexible inventory management
Sellers can begin with a small shipment to evaluate the service before increasing inventory levels. There are no long-term commitments associated with the promotional offer.
No peak storage fee increases during the free period
The 30-day promotion allows sellers to test GWD without worrying about seasonal storage cost increases during the promotional window.
Better inventory availability
Amazon manages replenishment into US FBA fulfillment centers based on demand, helping reduce the risk of stockouts while avoiding excessive inventory in US warehouses.
Improved logistics efficiency
The addition of the Shanghai facility allows many manufacturers to ship inventory over shorter domestic distances before entering Amazon's logistics network.
How to participate
Eligible sellers can access the promotion through Seller Central by following these steps:
i) Open Send to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution.
ii) Select a ship-from address located in China.
iii) Choose an available GWD distribution center.
iv) Select the products and quantities to send.
v) Complete the shipment details.
vi) Submit the booking.
Once the shipment is received at a participating GWD facility, the free 30-day storage benefit is applied automatically.
Who should consider using GWD?
The service is particularly useful for sellers who:
i) Source products from manufacturers in China.
ii) Sell primarily through Amazon US.
iii) Need to prepare inventory ahead of major sales events.
iv) Want to reduce long-term US storage costs.
v) Experience seasonal demand fluctuations.
vi)Wish to simplify international inventory replenishment.
Planning ahead for peak season
The timing of this promotion gives sellers an opportunity to build inventory before the busy holiday shopping season while avoiding unnecessary storage costs.
Since Amazon replenishes FBA inventory based on demand, businesses can maintain healthier inventory levels without sending all stock to the United States at once.
For sellers expecting increased sales during Prime events, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the year-end holiday season, GWD can become an important part of inventory planning.
The latest Seller Central update strengthens Amazon's Global Warehousing and Distribution program by combining a valuable free storage promotion with expanded infrastructure and additional logistics capabilities. The launch of the Shanghai facility and support for FOB shipments make the service more attractive for sellers sourcing products from China.
For Amazon US sellers looking to reduce storage expenses, improve inventory planning, and simplify cross-border logistics, this limited-time GWD offer provides an opportunity to test Amazon's international warehousing network while preparing inventory for future demand. Carefully evaluating the program during the promotional period could help businesses improve operational efficiency and lower overall fulfillment costs.
Also Read: Holiday 2026 Planning Begins as Amazon Sets Earlier Deadlines for Peak Season Sellers
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the company.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.