Trump Imposes 100% Tariff on Foreign Films

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on non-American films, citing threats to Hollywood and national security. The decision has stirred debate in the film industry.

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Tariffs to Protect Hollywood

Trump claimed the U.S. film industry is “dying” due to studios and filmmakers working abroad, alleging foreign nations lure them away. He called this a national security risk and a channel for foreign propaganda. In a post, he stated, “I authorize the Department of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to immediately impose a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad entering our country.” The logistics of applying tariffs to films distributed via theaters, TV, and streaming remain unclear.

Declining Box Office Revenue

The decision follows a 2024 U.S. box office revenue of $8.57 billion, per Box Office Mojo, down 3.8% from the previous year. These figures lag significantly behind pre-COVID-19 highs, with the 2020 pandemic marking a turning point for cinemas, prompting Trump’s focus on reviving domestic production.

China as a Catalyst

Trump pointed to China’s influence as a key reason, accusing it of drawing U.S. filmmakers abroad. The tariffs aim to incentivize local production, though their impact on global film distribution and audiences is uncertain.

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