Tariff-hit industries struggling as trade war drags into second year - Toronto Star

The global trade landscape continues to present significant challenges for importers and trade compliance professionals as a protracted "trade war" enters its second year. According to a report from the Toronto Star published on March 24, 2026, industries heavily impacted by tariffs are experiencing sustained difficulties, underscoring the long-term implications of ongoing trade disputes.

The report highlights that various "tariff-hit industries" are struggling under the weight of these prolonged trade tensions. While specific sectors were not detailed in the summary, the general reference indicates a broad impact across segments of the economy reliant on international trade. The continuation of these struggles into a second year suggests that businesses have not yet found sustainable solutions or adaptations to fully mitigate the financial and operational burdens imposed by the tariffs.

Regarding the specifics of the tariffs, the Toronto Star article confirms that the "trade war" has now been ongoing for over a year, having commenced sometime in 2025. The report does not specify particular tariff rates, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) sections, or the countries involved in these trade disputes. However, the emphasis on industries "struggling" points to significant financial implications for businesses operating within the affected supply chains.

For importers, customs brokers, and trade compliance officers, this ongoing situation necessitates continued vigilance and strategic planning. The entry of the trade war into its second year signals that these elevated costs and complexities are not temporary disruptions but rather persistent features of the current trade environment. Companies should continue to closely monitor trade policy developments, assess the cumulative impact of tariffs on their landed costs, and maintain robust compliance programs to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape effectively.