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Quarterly MDM-Baird Distribution Survey

Research: Pricing Power Holds Steady While Pressure Builds Beneath the Surface

The 1Q26 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution survey shows pricing power holding steady, but commentary reflects a more divided market shaped by competition, costs and customer behavior. We analyze the data here.

April 30, 2026

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Nearly half of respondents in the latest Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution survey say their company’s pricing power is unchanged from a year ago — but the data shows a market increasingly split between those gaining leverage and those losing it. The 1Q26 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution survey asked: “

Compared to a year ago, how would you characterize your company’s pricing power today?

” About 300 respondents — primarily distributors — with an aggregate annual revenue of more than $75 billion weighed in. Here’s how they responded.

  • About the same: 47%
  • Slightly stronger: 22%
  • Much stronger: 5%

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