Global film industry braces for impact as Trump threatens 100% foreign films tariffs

Donald Trump’s call for 100% tariffs on films produced outside the United States has sparked widespread concern across the global entertainment sector, BBC News reported. 

In a message posted on his Truth Social account, the president said the move was aimed at reviving a domestic film industry he claims is collapsing.

“America’s film industry is dying a very fast death,” he wrote, blaming foreign governments for offering generous tax breaks to lure US productions abroad.

Trump has directed the Commerce Department and US Trade Representative to begin work on enforcing the tariffs, which he argues are necessary to counter a “concerted effort” by other countries to undermine Hollywood. 

“It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!” he declared.

The announcement drew swift reactions. In the UK, union Bectu warned the policy could “deal a knock-out blow” to thousands of freelance film workers, just as the industry recovers from the pandemic and recent production slowdowns.

Governments in Australia and New Zealand also responded, expressing concern over the possible impact on jobs and investment in their creative sectors.

Questions remain over how the tariff would be applied. Trump’s statement did not clarify if American studios filming abroad would be penalised, nor how streaming services like Netflix would be treated. Timothy Richards, head of the UK-based Vue cinema chain, asked, “How do you define a US film? Where was it financed? Written? Shot?”

Some analysts warn that the tariffs could prompt retaliatory measures from other nations, making it harder for American films to perform well internationally. 

NPR film critic Eric Deggans cautioned that “the tariffs in America may cause more harm than good,” especially for studios already facing declining box office revenue.

As of now, the Motion Picture Association and other major Hollywood entities have not publicly commented on the proposal.