The phrase "strong headwinds" refers to powerful winds blowing directly against someone or something that make it difficult to progress or move forward. Full definition
Like other members of the foodservice industry, chains face strong headwinds in the form of rising labor costs and other operating expenses. (fesmag.com)
The bill faced strong headwinds in the Democratic - led Assembly, where lawmakers were slammed by a pro-tax credit campaign and were previously pushed to back a package of teacher evaluation changes opposed by the state's teachers unions. (nystateofpolitics.com)
But they face strong headwinds from an investment industry keen to maintain the status quo. (moneysense.ca)