US President Donald Trump says 100% tariff on foreign films would boost nation’s entertainment as ticket sales decline and streaming dominates the industry.
President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, a move he says will strengthen the domestic entertainment industry.
The president revealed the proposal in a social media post on Monday, declaring that the levy would apply to “any and all movies that are made outside of the United States.” He did not provide details on when the measure would take effect or how it would be enforced.
Trump first floated the idea in May, arguing that tax incentives in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and several European nations have lured film productions away from Hollywood. By introducing steep tariffs, he said, studios would be encouraged to keep jobs and investments inside the U.S.
The announcement comes at a time of turbulence for the American movie industry. Domestic box office revenues have struggled to recover from the pandemic, while audiences have increasingly turned to streaming platforms for new releases. Cinema chains have reported weaker ticket sales in recent quarters, and major studios are facing pressure to adapt to shifting consumer habits.
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Industry analysts say the proposed tariff could have significant consequences for global film distribution. Many U.S. theaters rely on a mix of domestic blockbusters and international titles to attract audiences. A sudden doubling of costs on foreign films could limit what cinemas are able to screen, potentially narrowing consumer choice.
Critics also warn the policy risks sparking retaliation from other countries, which may target American films in response. The U.S. film industry remains one of the country’s most powerful cultural exports, with franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Warner Bros. generating billions in overseas markets. Tariffs on American films abroad could cut into those revenues.
Supporters of the measure argue that the move would revitalize U.S.-based production by leveling the playing field. They note that foreign tax credits have helped create booming film hubs in cities such as Toronto, London, and Budapest, often at the expense of Hollywood jobs.
The administration has not released a formal timeline for introducing the tariff, leaving uncertainty around whether the proposal will move forward. For now, the announcement has intensified debate over how the U.S. should protect its entertainment industry in an era defined by streaming and globalization.
