Former U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled plans to impose a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced films, citing threats to national security and foreign influence as key reasons behind the move.
In a statement shared on his platform, Truth Social, on Sunday, Trump directed the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to begin implementing this unprecedented policy. He expressed concern over what he described as a coordinated effort by foreign nations to weaken the American film industry, calling it not just economic sabotage but also a vehicle for propaganda.
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“The American movie industry is collapsing rapidly,” Trump claimed, labeling the issue a national security concern. The tariffs, he argued, are meant to create fair competition and incentivize film studios to return production to U.S. soil. He accused foreign governments of offering attractive incentives and tax breaks to lure American filmmakers abroad.
Trump reiterated his broader “America First” message, declaring, “We want movies made in America again!”—a sentiment that mirrors his stance on reshoring manufacturing.
This move marks a significant shift in Trump’s trade approach, as it targets not physical imports but cultural and creative industries for the first time. If implemented, it would be a historic instance of the U.S. imposing trade tariffs specifically on the entertainment sector.
The announcement comes shortly after China, the second-largest film market globally, drastically reduced the number of American films allowed in its theaters—seen by many as a counter-response to Trump’s renewed trade pressures on Chinese goods.
Experts warn that the proposed tariffs could backfire. Major studios like Disney, Warner Bros, and Paramount, which increasingly depend on filming abroad to lower costs and benefit from international tax advantages, could face severe financial hurdles. Industry insiders told CNN that the new policy could jeopardize the recovery of Hollywood, which is still reeling from pandemic-era losses and a sluggish box office.
Reactions from film unions and global partners are still pending, but trade specialists anticipate legal disputes, as the tariffs may breach World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, which typically disallow unilateral tariffs on services.
With the 2024 presidential race approaching, Trump’s announcement may also carry political motivations, aiming to bolster support among voters who value American culture and industry. The policy positions Hollywood not just as an economic pillar, but as a cultural emblem of national identity.
It remains uncertain whether the tariffs will be formally enforced and how international film markets will react.
