Trump Targets Global Cinema with 100% Tariff on Foreign-Made Films, Citing Hollywood’s “Fast Death”

US President Donald Trump has announced a dramatic new escalation in his global trade war, this time targeting the international film industry. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump revealed plans to impose a 100% tariff on all foreign-made movies, a move he says is aimed at reversing the decline of America’s once-thriving film sector.

“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death,” Trump wrote. “Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States.”

Trump Blames Foreign Incentives, Calls Film Loss a “National Security Threat”

The proposed tariffs are part of Trump’s broader push to restore American manufacturing and production, which he claims has been undercut by aggressive foreign subsidy programs. He accused countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand of luring U.S. studios overseas with generous incentives, posing what he called a “national security threat.”

“It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!” Trump said. “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”

He has authorized the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to begin the process of implementing the new tariffs immediately. However, the specifics of how the tariffs would be calculated or enforced remain unclear.

Impact on Hollywood and Streaming Platforms Still Uncertain

Questions remain about whether the tariffs would apply to:

• American studios producing films abroad
• Streaming content on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime
• Movies released in U.S. theaters versus digital distribution

Trade War Expands Beyond Entertainment

This latest announcement adds to a long list of Trump-imposed tariffs since his return to office in January. While he has paused broader tariff hikes until July to allow for trade negotiations, targeted industries like automotive, pharmaceuticals, and now cinema, are already facing new levies.

Earlier in April, China retaliated by reducing the quota of American films allowed into its market, citing U.S. "tariff abuse" as the reason. The Chinese government warned that continued trade pressure could further damage U.S. film exports to one of Hollywood’s most lucrative international markets.

What’s Next?

As Trump meets with trade partners in the coming weeks, the fate of this new film tariff remains in flux. The White House has yet to release an official policy document, and industry stakeholders are bracing for potential disruptions.

For now, the message from Trump is clear: Make Movies in America, Again.

Source/recommended read: 

• Trump tariffs: US president says non-US movies to be hit with 100% levies