WASHINGTON, D.C. Sept 29, 2025 – President Donald J. Trump has vowed to impose a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States. The decision, framed as a bid to reclaim America’s film industry, follows a similar proposal floated in May and signals an escalation of Trump’s protectionist trade policies.
The tariff announcement builds on a May initiative where Trump urged administration officials to explore the measure, prompting a coalition of Hollywood unions to advocate for domestic tax incentives to bolster U.S. production. The move comes as the U.S. box office continues to reel, with revenue plummeting from $12 billion in 2018 to $2 billion in 2020 amid the pandemic, intensifying debates over competition from foreign films.
In response, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order in May to streamline local filming permits, aiming to retain production jobs amid growing overseas incentives. The tariff aligns with Trump’s broader trade agenda, including a 100% tariff on imported drugs and a 25% tariff on heavy trucks, both set to take effect this week.
Analysts warn that the policy could disrupt Hollywood’s global supply chain, as many films depend on international locations and talent for production. The entertainment industry braces for uncertainty as the tariff’s impact unfolds, potentially reshaping the future of American cinema.
Source : Dailywire