Are We on the Brink of a Tariff Reversal...or Global Supply Chain Shock?

In this special episode of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution, Tom Burton and Kevin Brown unpack one of the most urgent developments in global trade: the escalating U.S. tariff war and its potential impact on supply chains, wholesale distributors, and global markets.

Broadcast early to accommodate Kevin’s work with the University of California Irvine’s entrepreneurship program, this “shortened” but insight-heavy episode delivers critical updates on:

• The newly announced UK–U.S. tariff agreement
• Upcoming negotiations with China in Switzerland
• The ripple effect on aluminum, steel, ethanol, beef, aerospace parts, and rare earth minerals
• Real-world impacts already being felt at U.S. ports and how they could disrupt inventory and pricing
• The potential for widespread MOUs and phased trade deals with Germany, India, and other EU nations

You’ll also hear how markets are responding (hint: cautiously optimistic) and why this moment could be a major turning point for international trade policy.

Whether you’re in wholesale, distribution, manufacturing, or just watching the shifting global economic tides, this episode provides timely, practical insight.

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In this power-packed episode of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution, hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton are joined by AI strategist Brooks Hamilton for a deep dive into the forces reshaping the global supply chain, manufacturing, and distribution landscape. Broadcasting during one of the most turbulent economic moments in recent memory, the trio breaks down the immediate and long-term effects of shifting tariffs, AI adoption, and digital transformation on the B2B ecosystem.

Brooks brings 20+ years of experience in sales effectiveness, pricing optimization, and executive alignment within the distribution and manufacturing sectors. His insights reveal why this moment is a turning point—not just for supply chain logistics, but for the very structure of how distribution businesses must evolve to survive and thrive.

Whether you’re a mid-sized distributor trying to stay nimble or an enterprise leader facing geopolitical disruption, this episode offers hard-hitting, timely insights that could define your next strategic move.

#WholesaleDistribution #AIInSupplyChain #B2BStrategy #TariffImpact #AroundTheHornPodcast

Key Takeaways:

Tariffs Are More Than Costs: Their true impact lies in confusion, disruption of planning processes, and the urgent need for agile response systems.

AI in Distribution is No Longer Optional: It’s a competitive differentiator—and the window to lead, or get left behind, is narrowing.

Planning is the Missing Link: Many ERPs lack the agility to handle new challenges like tariff calculations or AI integration.

Disruption = Opportunity: Smaller, leaner players with good tech and inventory management can outperform slower legacy competitors.

Human-Centric AI Wins: Adoption grows when AI enhances employee workflows rather than replacing them or adding friction.

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Join the conversation each week on LinkedIn Live.

Want even more insight to the stories we discuss each week? Subscribe to the Around The Horn Newsletter.

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So this whole tariff thing is no big deal, right?

This week, Kevin Brown and Tom Burton take you through the evolving landscape of tariffs, supply chains, international trade dynamics, and their ripple effects on the wholesale distribution and manufacturing sectors. Against a backdrop of shifting policies between the U.S. and China, the hosts deliver a candid analysis of how these global changes translate into real-world impacts — from supply chain adjustments to pricing pressures and economic indicators like jobless claims.

Adding layers of perspective, the episode also delves into the importance of CRM-driven customer intelligence, the impact of AI and automation, and strategic approaches distributors can take to thrive amid economic uncertainty.

This week's conversation weaves tactical advice, personal observations, and industry insights that make it a must-listen for leaders navigating today's distribution challenges.

Highlights of the Hosts’ Expertise:

Kevin Brown and Tom Burton bring decades of combined experience in wholesale distribution, technology, and AI-driven customer intelligence through their work at LeadSmart Technologies.

LeadSmart’s ChannelCloud platform embodies the themes discussed — integrating siloed data to drive better decision-making.

Why This Episode Matters:

Global trade shifts, tariffs, and technology disruption are not abstract headlines — they are direct pressure points for distributors and manufacturers. This episode arms listeners with a better understanding of how to anticipate, adapt, and capitalize on these changes.

Key Takeaways:

Tariff Tensions Are Evolving: Despite public posturing, both the U.S. and China are making subtle moves toward easing trade restrictions behind the scenes.

Wholesale Distribution Feels the Squeeze: From Fastenal’s early tariff-driven price hikes to container shipment declines, distributors must prepare for market turbulence.

Data-Driven Strategy is Critical: Smart CRM adoption isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for survival and competitive advantage.

Prepare for Economic Shifts: Organizations with strong balance sheets, flexible pricing models, and diversified product lines will thrive amid interest rate and trade fluctuations.

AI Adoption Must Be Strategic: Manufacturers like John Deere and Procter & Gamble show that embracing AI as an enabler — not a threat — is key to future-proofing workforces.

Leave a Review: Help us grow by sharing your thoughts on the show.

Join the conversation each week on LinkedIn Live.

Want even more insight to the stories we discuss each week? Subscribe to the Around The Horn Newsletter.

You can also hear the podcast and other excellent content on our YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok.