Subscribe Log in

Quarterly MDM-Baird Distribution Survey

Recession Fears Top Distributors’ Risk Concerns for 2026

Recession, tariffs, intensifying competition... see which risks distributors indicated are their concerns for 2026 based on the latest Baird-MDM survey.

November 19, 2025

Share

Wholesale distributors, manufacturers and others in the industrial supply channel are bracing for potential economic turbulence in 2026, with recession and broader macroeconomic conditions emerging as a primary concern, according to exclusive MDM research. Nearly three in ten respondents (27%) of the 3Q25 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution survey — conducted in early October — ranked recession or macroeconomic instability among their top three risks for the coming year. Among approximately 300 executives, 23% also ranked passing tariffs/pricing among their top three, followed by intensifying…

This is a Premium Article

Join NAW to read the full article — plus access to research, data, and intelligence.

As a member, you get:

  • Unlimited premium MDM articles, case studies, and monthly intelligence reports
  • Access to webcasts, podcasts
  • Exclusive whitepapers, research reports, and market data
  • Quarterly M&A, MarketPulse, and Economic Outlook reports
  • Access to NAW Nucleus, NAW SmartBrief, and NAW’s policy and leadership resources

The NAW Professional Membership is $850/year for individuals. It’s the fastest way to unlock this article — and everything else.

Unlock Premium Content


>> Explore all membership options

Related Articles

See More Articles