Donald Trump has renewed his pledge to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States. He said other countries had “stolen” America’s movie industry.
California bears the brunt
On Monday, Trump said California suffered the most under the current system. He argued the tariff would “solve this long time, never ending problem”. In May, he had already announced plans to meet Hollywood executives. At that time, he warned the US film sector was dying “a very fast death”.
Tariffs reach multiple industries
Trump’s remarks followed a wave of tariffs hitting other sectors. These included a 100% levy on branded or patented drug imports and 50% tariffs on kitchen and bathroom cabinets. On Truth Social, he said America’s movie business had been taken “like stealing candy from a baby”. He also called California’s governor “weak and incompetent”.
Timing and details unclear
Trump promised the 100% tariff on “any and all movies made outside of the United States”. He did not announce a start date. The White House has not commented. It remains uncertain whether streaming services such as Netflix would be included. No guidance has been provided on how the levy would be calculated.
Canada voices concern
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce said it was “deeply concerned” about the plan. It stressed that US studios rely on Canadian facilities, crews, and talent. Catherine Fortin-LeFaivre, senior vice president for international policy, said the tariffs would punish American studios. She warned the measure would raise costs, limit investment, and harm both economies. She added it could endanger thousands of middle-class jobs.
Experts question feasibility
Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said the tariffs would be difficult to enforce. He explained that tariffs usually target goods, not creative projects. He noted filmmakers often choose foreign locations for better tax incentives. He said the plan “raises more questions than it does answers”. Coatsworth added that defining an American-made film would be complicated if actors, funding, or directors were foreign. He warned higher costs could reduce demand for cinemas and streaming services. Still, investors remained calm, and Netflix and Disney shares quickly recovered after a brief dip.
More productions filmed abroad
Recent US films including Deadpool & Wolverine, Wicked, and Gladiator II were produced overseas. Research firm ProdPro confirmed that the US remains a leading hub for global production. Spending totaled $14.54 billion last year, down 26% from 2022. Meanwhile, countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK have attracted growing investment.
Britain watches closely
Officials in London are monitoring the situation. They want clarity on how the US tariff could affect British studios. A Department for Business & Trade spokesperson said the UK film industry employs millions and generates billions for the economy.
Trump broadens trade actions
Trump also announced tariffs on wood and furniture on Monday. He set a 10% levy on softwood timber and lumber and 25% tariffs on kitchen cabinets, vanities, and upholstered wooden furniture. Earlier, he previewed the plan on Truth Social. He promised “substantial tariffs on any country that does not make its furniture in the United States”. A presidential proclamation confirmed the tariffs will begin on 14 October. Some levies will rise further next year if trade deals are not reached. These measures follow Trump’s earlier pledge of 100% tariffs on branded or patented drug imports unless companies build factories in the US.
