Ever imagined watching a movie that’s taxed at 100%? Well, buckle up, because President Trump just announced a plan to slap a full tariff on every film produced overseas and imported into the U.S. 🇺🇸🍿
On his Truth Social feed, Trump wrote, “Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing candy from a baby.” It’s a bold move that could shake up Hollywood’s entire global supply chain.
But how would this work? A 100% tariff means if a studio spends $10 million making a film abroad, an extra $10 million tax would be due at the border. That cost bump would likely land on your ticket price or subscription fees—nobody wants that! 😬
Industry experts are scratching their heads. Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight warns that “there is too much uncertainty,” and any extra costs will trickle down to consumers. And since modern blockbusters rely on fast internet-driven post-production hubs from Canada to the U.K. to Australia, halting overseas work isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.
Film producer Mark Wolradian points out another snag: U.S. studios can’t handle all the action at home. “Atlanta can only host about three crews at a time—roughly six movies a year,” he says. Studios already juggle multiple global locations for special effects, financing, and even local talent.
Meanwhile, a coalition of American film unions and guilds has urged Congress to back tax incentives for domestic shoots instead of punitive tariffs. They argue that boosting existing facilities is smarter than penalizing narrative-driven moves abroad.
Despite these concerns, the U.S. film industry posted a $15.3 billion trade surplus in 2023, fueled by $22.6 billion in exports. Co-productions with partners in Asia and Europe have opened new markets and financing channels—so a sudden tariff could lead to tit-for-tat measures from other countries.
Bottom line: If this tariff goes through, expect tighter belts at the box office, longer waits for your favorite streaming drops, and a serious rethink of where and how movies get made. Stay tuned as this story unfolds! 🎬🌏
Reference(s):
Trump says will impose 100% tariff on movies made outside U.S.
cgtn.com
