Donald Trump has announced a 100% tariff on all films made outside the United States.
The proposal raises uncertainty for Hollywood studios, which rely heavily on global production hubs and international markets.
President Donald Trump has announced plans to introduce a 100 per cent tariff on all films made outside the United States and brought into the country. The move, revealed on Monday, could significantly affect Hollywood’s international business model.
According to Reuters, the proposal extends Trump’s protectionist trade policies into the entertainment sector, leaving U.S. studios that depend on international markets uncertain about the future.
“Our movie-making business has been stolen from the United States of America by other countries, just like stealing candy from a baby,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.
It is still unclear what legal powers the president would use to implement the measure. The White House did not respond to requests for comment, and major studios such as Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount, Netflix, and Skydance declined to react immediately. Comcast also refused to comment.
Industry experts warn that the plan could push up production costs, which may eventually be transferred to consumers. “There is too much uncertainty, and this latest move raises more questions than answers,” Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight explained.
Trump had first mentioned the idea in May without giving details, creating confusion over whether the tariffs would apply to certain countries or all imports. In response, film unions and guilds urged the government to focus instead on local tax incentives to support homegrown production.
Figures from the Motion Picture Association show that in 2023, the U.S. film industry recorded a $15.3 billion trade surplus, supported by $22.6 billion in exports. However, analysts say the proposed tariffs could disrupt this balance.
Hollywood has long relied on production hubs such as Canada, the UK, and Australia, which offer tax breaks to attract major projects. Co-productions with Europe and Asia also help provide financing and access to global audiences. Executives warn that a broad tariff could also hit thousands of American workers, including visual effects teams and production crews, who are often involved in overseas shoots.
