MD4 Phase-Out Notice?

I received a notice from my supplier regarding the MD4-7 phase-out, and they’re asking me to estimate demand through 2029, which makes sense and is good to get ahead of.

The notice itself lays out the following milestones:

• April 15, 2026: Parker requests estimated demand forecasts. Priority given to customers who provide information.
• October 15, 2026: Customer final orders must be placed prior to this date.
• October 31, 2029: Last date for shipments from Parker.

However, my supplier is insisting that I must place a firm purchase order by April 15, 2026 to cover my forecasted needs, not just provide estimates.

This feels earlier and more binding than what the notice seems to require.

Is anyone else being told they need to place firm POs this far in advance, or does this sound like my supplier might be trying to lock in business ahead of the actual deadline?