Trump Warns 100% Tariffs on Foreign Movies to Protect US Movie Industry
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, intensifying his ongoing trade disputes with multiple countries.
Trump stated he had directed the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Trade Representative to begin implementing the tariff, citing the rapid decline of America’s film industry.
He accused foreign governments of deliberately enticing filmmakers with financial incentives, which he called a “national security threat.”
“It’s not just about economics — it’s also about messaging and propaganda!” Trump posted on his social platform, Truth Social. “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
In response, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “We’re on it,” though no concrete policy details were revealed. Trump did not clarify if the proposed tariffs would apply to American companies producing films overseas.
Notably, several high-profile U.S. productions, such as Deadpool & Wolverine, Wicked, and Gladiator II, have recently been filmed outside the country.
It also remains uncertain whether these tariffs will extend to movies streamed via platforms like Netflix or only to theatrical releases, or how the fees would be structured.
The UK’s Department for Culture, Media & Sport, the British Film Institute, and the Motion Picture Association — which represents top U.S. studios — declined to comment immediately when contacted.
Governments in Australia and New Zealand have voiced support for their domestic film sectors.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized, “We will unequivocally defend the rights of Australia’s screen industry.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted that his administration was awaiting more information but remained committed to advocating for the industry.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has introduced a wave of tariffs targeting numerous countries, arguing that such measures protect American jobs and support domestic manufacturing. However, these moves have caused turmoil in global markets, with consumer prices rising worldwide.
In a symbolic effort to boost Hollywood, Trump had previously appointed actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as special ambassadors to promote business opportunities in the U.S. entertainment industry.
“They will act as Special Envoys to help revive Hollywood, which has lost significant business to foreign nations in recent years,” Trump wrote.
Despite facing challenges, the U.S. still holds a prominent position in global film production. According to industry data from research firm ProdPro, U.S. film production spending reached $14.54 billion last year — a 26% drop compared to 2022.
Meanwhile, countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK have seen an increase in production spending.
Additional developments in Trump’s broader trade agenda include:
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Tariffs on imported car parts taking effect;
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Online retailer Temu halting direct shipments from China to the U.S.
Before this latest movie tariff proposal, the U.S. film industry had already felt the ripple effects of Trump’s trade stance. In April, China reduced its quota on American films.
The China Film Administration criticized U.S. tariff policies, saying, “Abuse of tariffs will inevitably erode the Chinese audience’s preference for American films.” The agency said imports would be “moderately reduced,” following market demand and public sentiment.
Trump has targeted China more than any other nation, with tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods. His administration has stated that combined with existing duties, the total tariffs on some products could reach 245%.
In retaliation, China has imposed a 125% tariff on U.S. goods.
Many other countries are currently subject to a blanket 10% U.S. tariff, which may rise after the current pause expires in July.
Speaking to the press aboard Air Force One, Trump said he was actively engaged with numerous countries, including China, regarding trade.
Despite earlier reports, he stated that he had no immediate plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
When asked if any new trade deals might be announced soon, Trump responded, “Very well be,” without giving further specifics.
He also hinted at possibly reducing tariffs on China eventually. “At some point, I’ll bring them down — otherwise you can’t do business,” he said during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press.
In that same interview, Trump said he may allow additional time for Chinese firm ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations of TikTok. He had already delayed the enforcement of a law that would ban TikTok unless ownership shifts to a non-Chinese company.
ByteDance has until June 19 to finalize a sale agreement, but talks have stalled amid escalating U.S.–China tariff tensions.
