This article provides an overview of current credit conditions for distribution companies, their suppliers and customers. Included are results from a recent MDM survey, which asked about challenges, if any, in acquiring credit. The article includes data from the Federal Reserve and other organizations that have surveyed banks and businesses on credit trends.

In a recent MDM survey on the economy, 39 percent of respondents said credit has become less available in the past six months. Nearly 54 percent said that access to credit has not changed significantly, implying credit remains tight for most.

In the survey, respondents noted banks have grown stricter, increasing collateral requirements, lowering credit lines and increasing rates and fees.

“Credit institutions are no longer willing to loan on …