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Quarterly MDM-Baird Distribution Survey

Research: Pricing, Operating Costs Lead Concerns Around Geopolitical Risk to Business

In an analysis of the latest Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution survey, distributors signaled concern that geopolitical conflict, such as the Iran War, could trigger cascading effects across pricing, operating costs and customer demand.

May 6, 2026

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Distributors expect geopolitical instability to pressure pricing, operating costs and customer demand more than supply-chain availability over the next several months, according to the latest 1Q26 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey. About 300 respondents — primarily distributors — with aggregate annual revenue of more than $75 billion were asked: “

Do you expect current geopolitical dynamics to impact your business over the next 3-6 months, and if so, where do you expect the greatest impact?

” Here’s how respondents answered:

  • Pricing / ability to pass through increases: 35%

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