FWIW, one of our larger clients who is someone I track closely for our biz, and the general economy, just requested canceling or pushing out delivery on orders scheduled to arrive the USA in Aug-October. They supply parts to the big AG guys and auto industry, and they normally extremely sharp on their forecasting. We have worked with this client since 2005 and this is the third time we have seen this type of request. The first time was in spring of 2008 and second time during the pandemic.
For the record, I am not saying this is doomsday on the economy by any stretch. Thought it was interesting because in the 19 years of working them only two times have suppliers not shipped them goods in a given month. Prior to these cancelations they have good shipped twelve months a year 16 out of the last 18 years. Will add, the request was made due to slowdowns with their customers.
Goose:
A company I am on the Board of has experienced similar pushing out of delivery for orders.
I have been on the Board for many years and similar to your experience , we saw this same customer behavior in Great Recession and Pandemic.
An observation from this company is that much of the recent growth has come from customers getting their inventory in balance . Now that it is in balance and decent depth. Now that the customers can properly meet their needs , reorders are reflecting true underlying economic conditions.