Pulse Podcast #17: 15% Premium: Navigating the Rising Cost of Inventory and Asset Valuations in 2026

For the average importer in 2026, inventory is now 15% more expensive than it was just a year ago. But does a higher cost on the balance sheet translate to higher recovery values?In this episode, Rita Garwood sits down with Alex Sutton, Head of Research at Gordon Brothers, to move past the headlines and look at the data. They discuss how persistent tariff volatility is creating a "new normal" for domestic supply chains, the challenges of "out of formula" financing, and the specific red flags lenders should look for in borrower reporting.Key topics include:• The "Step-Up" Effect: Why inventory costs have spiked by 15%.• Valuation Realities: Why higher replacement costs don't always mean higher liquidation values.• Industry Spotlights: Why electronics and furniture are feeling the most pressure.• The "Hangover Effect": Tracking the aftermath of pre-tariff over-purchasing.