Trump imposes 100% tariff on foreign films to reclaim Hollywood

In the United States, on Monday, September 29, 2025, President Donald Trump announced his intention to impose a 100% tariff on movies made outside the country. He made this declaration through a post on his Truth Social account, expressing that the American movie-making industry had been 'stolen' by other nations. Trump specifically called out California, stating that it had been particularly affected by the loss of production to foreign markets. This marks a renewed attempt for Trump to control what he perceives as an ongoing issue within the U.S. film industry, which he believes needs protection against international competition. This announcement is not the first time Trump has suggested such a measure; he initially floated the idea earlier in the year. His argument is partly built on the premise that other countries are attracting film productions with beneficial tax incentives, which U.S. states have also implemented to draw filmmakers back. Despite this, industry experts have expressed skepticism about the practicality of such a tariff, pointing to the complexities involved in defining a 'foreign-made' film, considering that many productions are international collaborations. Moreover, this directive raises questions about implementation, particularly since movies often involve digital transactions rather than physical imports that tariffs typically target. Critics argue that without clarity on how the tariff will be enforced, the move could lead to confusion and complications for U.S. studios, especially those that have begun to invest heavily in international productions. They also warn that this could trigger retaliatory measures from other countries, potentially hurting U.S. film exports and its overall media landscape. In light of these developments, Hollywood stakeholders, including major studios like Disney, are concerned about the potential economic implications, as rising costs may further dampen box office revenues. The current trends in film production already reflect a significant shift towards overseas locations, and if the tariff is implemented, it might either reverse this trend or exacerbate existing challenges in the industry. Trump's proposed tariff could ultimately impact consumer prices for movie tickets and streaming services, reinforcing ongoing debates in the U.S. about foreign influence in domestic markets and production dynamics.