Why Retailers Are Hoarding Inventory in 2026

In this episode of The Supply Chain Economy, Lucas and Luna explore why US retailers are stockpiling inventory at levels not seen since early 2023. With imports running hot and warehouse vacancy near historic lows, the hosts break down the numbers: manufacturers' new orders hit $630 billion in March, up 1.5% from February, while capacity utilization climbed to 76.1%. They discuss the strategic shift from just-in-time to just-in-case, the role of tariffs and port labor uncertainty, and what this means for shipping rates and consumer prices. Tune in for a grounded look at the forces behind the inventory buildup and its ripple effects across the supply chain. #InventoryHoarding #SupplyChain #Retail #JustInCase #Logistics #Warehousing #Tariffs #PortLabor #ShippingRates #Manufacturing #Imports #CapacityUtilization #IndustrialProduction #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #SupplyChainEconomy #USRetail Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo