In a major escalation of global trade tensions, President Donald Trump announced today that he plans to impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the United States.
Speaking on his Truth Social platform, President Trump called the move essential to save what he described as a dying American film industry, accusing foreign governments of luring productions overseas with incentives that he labeled a national security threat. He declared, quote, We want movies made in America, again!
Trump has directed the Commerce Department and the U.S. Trade Representative to begin the process of implementing the new tariff, though specifics remain unclear. It’s not yet known if the measure would affect U.S. studios filming abroad—a common practice for major blockbusters like Deadpool & Wolverine, Wicked, and Gladiator II, all of which were recently shot outside the country.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded simply, saying, ‘We’re on it.’ But the announcement has already sparked concern among key U.S. allies. Australia’s home affairs minister Tony Burke vowed to defend his country’s film industry, while New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his government would await further details but pledged support for their filmmaking sector.
Since his return to office in January, President Trump has imposed a series of sweeping tariffs aimed at boosting American manufacturing. But critics warn the policies are rattling global markets and driving up prices worldwide. The film industry is no exception. Just last month, China reduced the number of American movies allowed into its theaters, citing what it called unfair U.S. trade practices.
Meanwhile, Trump has appointed Hollywood actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as special envoys to promote business opportunities in the American film industry—part of what he describes as an effort to make Hollywood ‘bigger, better, and stronger than ever.’
Industry analysts say U.S. film production spending fell by 26% last year, while countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.K. saw increases. Observers worry that new tariffs could deepen those challenges rather than reverse them.
In related developments, Trump continues to hold off on direct trade talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, even as negotiations remain stalled over the future of TikTok’s U.S. operations. Trump hinted today that some trade deals could be announced soon but offered no specifics.
We’ll be closely following how this proposed tariff could reshape the global film industry—and what it means for moviegoers everywhere.
Reporting by Katy Moore.
