Q1 Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey Now Open

The quarter started with bad weather in many parts of the country. From freezing cold to snow … and yes, snow in Florida, New Orleans, and Texas.

While Mother Nature had her way the political winds from Washington, DC are also causing trepidation. Consider:

• Tariffs on China … Canada and Mexico
• On, then off, then on, then off / delayed, to now possible early April tariffs on Canada and Mexico
• Tariffs on imported steel and aluminum
• And don’t forget that there could be tariffs coming on the EU

But this is only part of the concern that is impacting the Industrial Supply channel. Other politically-influenced changes include:

• Department budget cuts that impact the federal real estate footprint impacts renovations and potentially construction.
• Budget freezes and cuts, could impact federally funded projects
• Discussion of Defense Department cuts will impact procurement and potentially construction and industrial investment plans of companies.

And there are more second and third derivative implications, with many unknown … all that create indecision, and businesses don’t like indecision as it makes them delay plans.

Plus, you know I am forgetting something, if not much.

Further, we’re hearing:

• Some manufacturers “holding” pricing until May or June … which basically tells you they have material in their warehouse / that has no tariff impact.
• Some major ones already have announced mid to upper single digit increases
• Some distributors who did some extra “stock” buying
• Some contractors who moved project ordering up to get in front of tariffs

With this as a background, our Q1 Pulse of Industrial Supply survey is now open. We need your responses by April 11, 2025 please.

If you can spare 1-2 minutes to complete the confidential survey, we’ll share a copy of the results with you shortly thereafter.

Channel Marketing Group and Industrial Supply Trends produces this confidential survey in partnership with William Blair | Homepage

As always, we appreciate the feedback and comments. So, feel free to reach out at jgunderson@channelmkt.com