Wait...was there something about tariffs in the news?

In this week’s fast-paced episode of Around The Horn in Wholesale Distribution, Kevin Brown and Tom Burton bring clarity to chaos as they tackle the sweeping global tariff changes announced this week. Broadcasting from an airport wine bar (yes, really), Kevin joins Tom to break down the immediate and long-term implications of the tariff overhaul, the ripple effects on manufacturing and sourcing, and how distributors can prepare for what’s next.

The discussion includes real-time analysis of shifting supply chains, economic predictions from thought leaders at the Industrial Supply Association (ISA) conference, and what this all means for pricing, margins, and operational resilience. Special attention is given to strategic insights shared by Ryan Wild of the National Association of Wholesalers and economist Taylor St. Germain of ITR Economics.

If you’ve been caught off guard by the policy shifts, this episode offers critical takeaways and a forward-looking mindset. This isn’t just another recap—this is a roadmap for understanding what’s happening and how to navigate it with strategy, not fear.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

00:00 – 03:20 – Opening banter from a Nashville airport wine bar and why Kevin is podcasting on the go
03:21 – 06:30 – Economic updates: jobs data, market movement, and interpreting short-term volatility
06:31 – 10:15 – Tariff surprises and policy warnings from Ryan Wild (NAW) at the ISA Conference
10:16 – 15:05 – Tariff implications: countries impacted, commodity pricing shifts, and supply chain exposure
15:06 – 19:40 – The bigger strategy behind tariff policies: reshoring, tax offsets, and U.S. competitiveness
19:41 – 24:50 – Economic optimism from Taylor St. Germain (ITR Economics): why Q3 and Q4 could boom
24:51 – 28:30 – Talent, wages, and the urgency to hire before inflation hits
28:31 – 32:00 – Final thoughts: long-term vision, playing the long game, and what to watch next

Key Takeaways:

Tariffs hit harder and wider than expected: The administration’s sweeping policy includes a surprising number of countries, leaving distributors and manufacturers scrambling.

Short-term pain, long-term plan: The hosts emphasize a broader strategy at play—tariffs, reshoring, and eventual tax relief designed to make U.S. manufacturing more competitive.

Pricing pressure is coming: Commodities like nitrile gloves could nearly double in price; companies need to prepare now.

Strategy beats volatility: Focus less on daily market swings and more on the underlying playbook behind the economic shifts.

Invest in 2025: If ITR’s projections hold, the time to hire and expand is now before costs climb next year.

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