Washington, D.C. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, escalating his ongoing push to revive domestic manufacturing — this time targeting the entertainment sector.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the U.S. film industry is “dying a very fast death” due to what he claims is a “concerted effort” by foreign nations to lure American filmmakers with financial incentives and subsidies. He called the trend a “national security threat” and emphasized the cultural dimension of filmmaking, saying: “It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
Trump directed the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate the process of implementing the tariff, though key details remain unclear — including whether it would apply to American production companies filming overseas or to content on streaming platforms like Netflix.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded to the announcement, stating, “We’re on it,” though did not elaborate on specific measures.
Industry leaders and global stakeholders reacted swiftly. Timothy Richards, founder of European cinema chain Vue, questioned how the policy would define a “U.S. film,” noting that modern productions often involve international financing, talent, and locations. “Is it where the money comes from? The script, the director, the talent, where it was shot?” Richards asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Filming costs in California have surged over recent decades, prompting many studios to relocate production to more affordable and incentive-rich locations such as the UK and Canada. Richards also emphasized the UK’s reputation for experienced production crews.
The British media and entertainment union Bectu warned the tariff could deliver a “knock-out blow” to the global industry, especially affecting freelancers still recovering from the pandemic and a recent production slowdown. “The government must move swiftly to defend this vital sector,” said Bectu chief Philippa Childs.
In response, the UK government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its creative industries, stating it would outline future strategies in its upcoming Creative Industries Sector Plan. It noted ongoing talks with the U.S. but declined to provide running commentary.
The British Film Institute (BFI) also weighed in, saying it was working closely with both government and industry partners to better understand the implications of Trump’s proposal. “We want to keep collaboration at the heart of our sectors,” it said in a statement.
Trump’s plan could potentially provoke retaliatory measures. NPR film critic Eric Deggans warned that other countries might respond with their own tariffs on American films, making international distribution more difficult and less profitable. “It may create a situation where the tariffs in America are causing more harm than good,” he said.
According to movie research firm ProdPro, the U.S. film industry generated $14.54 billion in production spending in 2023 — a 26% drop from 2022 — while countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK saw increased investments.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said his country would “stand up unequivocally” for its screen sector. Screen Producers Australia noted the lack of detail but acknowledged the plan would send “shock waves worldwide.” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his government was monitoring the situation closely and remained committed to supporting the industry.
Trump, who appointed Hollywood actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as “special envoys” to promote American film interests during his first term, has consistently framed his trade policies as pro-American job protection. Since returning to the White House in January, he has reinstated a number of tariffs targeting goods from countries around the globe.
Critics argue that these measures are already straining international relations and disrupting global markets. In April, China announced a reduction in the number of American films allowed in the country, blaming the U.S. government’s “abuse” of tariffs for deteriorating public perception.
“We will follow the market rules, respect the audience’s choice, and moderately reduce the number of American films imported,” the China Film Administration stated.
As Trump’s proposed film tariff awaits clarification and potential implementation, film industry stakeholders at home and abroad are bracing for a period of heightened uncertainty.
