Trump's 100% Tariff Threat: A Challenge for Global Cinema

Wed Oct 22 2025 01:50:39 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Former President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the US, igniting discussions about its implications for the film industry.

Donald Trump has reiterated his threat to implement a 100% tariff on movies made outside the United States, claiming the domestic industry has been undermined by foreign competition. This move, which he suggests would address long-standing issues within Hollywood, raises numerous questions about enforcement and potential impacts on filmmakers, audiences, and streaming platforms. Experts are skeptical about how such tariffs would be enforced and the broader implications for production costs and demand.

Donald Trump has repeated his threat to impose a 100% tariff on all films not made in the US, claiming the American industry had been 'stolen' by other countries.

He said on Monday that California had been heavily affected and the levy would 'solve this long time, never ending problem'.

In May, the former president mentioned his intention to discuss this plan with Hollywood executives, arguing that America's film industry was facing a rapid decline.

Trump's remarks come as he recently announced a new wave of tariffs, including a 100% tax on branded drug imports.

He stated on his Truth Social platform, 'Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other countries, just like stealing 'candy from a baby.'

He particularly blamed California for being 'hit hard' due to what he described as a 'weak and incompetent Governor'.

While he indicated that the tariff would apply to 'any and all movies made outside of the United States', specifics on when this would take effect or how it would be implemented remain unclear, especially regarding streaming services.

Analysts have raised questions about the feasibility of such a tax. Dan Coatsworth, an investment analyst, noted that filmmakers are often drawn to other countries due to attractive incentives, thus complicating the definition of an 'American-made' movie.

Ultimately, the move could raise production costs and potentially decrease demand for cinema and streaming services, but investor reactions suggest this threat is not currently viewed as significant.

Recent major films produced by US studios, including Deadpool and Wicked, were shot outside of America, indicating a trend in global film production.

The US remains a significant hub for film production but experienced a notable decline in spending, with many filmmakers opting for countries that provide better incentives.

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