Donald Trump has renewed his warning to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States. He said foreign nations had “stolen” America’s film industry.
California hit hardest
On Monday, Trump said California suffered the most under the current system. He argued the tariff would “solve this long time, never ending problem”. In May, he had already revealed plans to meet Hollywood executives. At that time, he warned the US film sector was dying “a very fast death”.
Tariffs affecting other industries
Trump’s remarks followed the rollout of tariffs on other sectors. These include a 100% levy on branded or patented drug imports and 50% tariffs on kitchen and bathroom cabinets. On Truth Social, he said America’s movie business had been taken “like stealing candy from a baby”. He also called California’s governor “weak and incompetent”.
Unclear implementation
Trump promised to impose the 100% tariff on “any and all movies made outside of the United States”. He did not specify a start date. The White House has not commented. It remains uncertain whether streaming platforms such as Netflix would be included. No explanation has been provided on how the tariff would be calculated.
Canada raises concerns
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce said it was “deeply concerned” about the proposal. It highlighted that US studios rely heavily on Canadian crews, talent, and facilities. Catherine Fortin-LeFaivre, senior vice president for international policy, warned the tariffs would punish American studios. She said the move would increase costs, deter investment, and harm both economies. She added it could threaten thousands of middle-class jobs.
Experts question feasibility
Investment analyst Dan Coatsworth of AJ Bell said the tariff would be difficult to enforce. He explained tariffs usually target goods, not creative projects. He noted filmmakers often choose foreign locations due to better tax incentives. He said the plan “raises more questions than it does answers”. Coatsworth added that defining an American-made film would be complicated with foreign actors, funding, or directors. He warned higher production costs could hurt cinemas and streaming services. Still, investors appeared largely unconcerned, and Netflix and Disney shares recovered after a brief dip.
Films increasingly shot abroad
Recent US productions including Deadpool & Wolverine, Wicked, and Gladiator II were filmed outside the country. Research firm ProdPro confirmed the US remains a key hub for global production. Spending totaled $14.54 billion last year, down 26% from 2022. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK have seen rising production investment.
Britain closely monitoring
Officials in London are awaiting clarity on how the US tariff could affect British studios. A Department for Business & Trade spokesperson said the UK film sector employs millions and generates billions for the economy.
Trump widens trade offensive
Trump also announced tariffs on wood and furniture on Monday. He set a 10% levy on softwood timber and lumber and 25% tariffs on kitchen cabinets, vanities, and upholstered wooden furniture. Earlier, he previewed the plan on Truth Social. He promised “substantial tariffs on any country that does not make its furniture in the United States”. A presidential proclamation confirmed the tariffs will start on 14 October. Some will rise next year if trade deals are not reached. These measures follow Trump’s earlier pledge of 100% tariffs on branded or patented drug imports unless companies build factories in the US.
