The potential tariffs may reshape the global film landscape, sparking responses from international film bodies.
Trump Plans 100% Tariffs on Non-U.S. Films to Revitalize Hollywood
Trump Plans 100% Tariffs on Non-U.S. Films to Revitalize Hollywood
Trump accuses foreign film industries of threatening American cinema amid rising trade tensions.
Donald Trump has announced an ambitious plan to impose 100% tariffs on films produced outside the United States, citing the alarming decline of the American film industry. The president attributes this decline to foreign nations luring filmmakers with incentives, calling it a "national security threat." Trump's move seeks to push for a resurgence in domestic filmmaking, declaring on his Truth Social platform, "WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!"
The proposed tariffs are set to be processed by the Department of Commerce and Trade Representative. However, the specifics, such as applicability to American studios operating abroad or films distributed via streaming services, remain unclear. Recent major films from American studios—including *Deadpool*, *Wolverine*, and the upcoming *Wicked*—were shot outside the U.S., raising questions about how tariffs would be calculated.
Key industry figures, like Timothy Richards, founder of the European cinema chain Vue, are unsure how Trump will define a "U.S. film." He noted the complexity of the production landscape, which includes factors like financing and talent origin.
UK media union Bectu has warned that the tariffs could devastate the international film industry and its freelance workers, urging swift governmental action to safeguard this vital sector from potential economic fallout. The UK government has expressed commitment to the ongoing success of its film industry, hinting at upcoming support plans in its Creative Industries Sector Plan.
Research firm ProdPro indicates that despite challenges, the U.S. remains a leading global film production hub, reporting $14.54 billion in production spending last year, albeit a 26% decline from 2022. Critics, like NPR film critic Eric Deggans, have voiced concerns that imposing tariffs could exacerbate the industry's struggles, as retaliatory measures from other countries could follow, complicating profits for American films abroad.
Australia and New Zealand have both expressed support for their film industries amid these proposed tariffs, with government officials vowing to champion local productions. As the global film landscape braces for potential disruptions, the Motion Picture Association has yet to respond to the unfolding situation. Meanwhile, Trump's historical approach to tariffs indicates a continued emphasis on protecting domestic industries at the expense of international trade relations, a strategy that could lead to wider economic repercussions.
The proposed tariffs are set to be processed by the Department of Commerce and Trade Representative. However, the specifics, such as applicability to American studios operating abroad or films distributed via streaming services, remain unclear. Recent major films from American studios—including *Deadpool*, *Wolverine*, and the upcoming *Wicked*—were shot outside the U.S., raising questions about how tariffs would be calculated.
Key industry figures, like Timothy Richards, founder of the European cinema chain Vue, are unsure how Trump will define a "U.S. film." He noted the complexity of the production landscape, which includes factors like financing and talent origin.
UK media union Bectu has warned that the tariffs could devastate the international film industry and its freelance workers, urging swift governmental action to safeguard this vital sector from potential economic fallout. The UK government has expressed commitment to the ongoing success of its film industry, hinting at upcoming support plans in its Creative Industries Sector Plan.
Research firm ProdPro indicates that despite challenges, the U.S. remains a leading global film production hub, reporting $14.54 billion in production spending last year, albeit a 26% decline from 2022. Critics, like NPR film critic Eric Deggans, have voiced concerns that imposing tariffs could exacerbate the industry's struggles, as retaliatory measures from other countries could follow, complicating profits for American films abroad.
Australia and New Zealand have both expressed support for their film industries amid these proposed tariffs, with government officials vowing to champion local productions. As the global film landscape braces for potential disruptions, the Motion Picture Association has yet to respond to the unfolding situation. Meanwhile, Trump's historical approach to tariffs indicates a continued emphasis on protecting domestic industries at the expense of international trade relations, a strategy that could lead to wider economic repercussions.
