Donald Trump has repeated his warning to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States. He argued that other countries had “stolen” America’s film industry.
California in focus
On Monday, Trump said California suffered heavily under the current system. He claimed the new levy would “solve this long time, never ending problem”. In May, he already announced talks with Hollywood executives about the plan. At the time, he said America’s movie industry was dying “a very fast death”.
Tariffs already hitting other sectors
His remarks followed the recent introduction of a new wave of tariffs. These include a 100% levy on branded or patented drug imports and 50% tariffs on kitchen and bathroom cabinets. On Truth Social, Trump declared that the US movie business had been “stolen by other countries, just like stealing candy from a baby”. He also blamed California’s governor for being “weak and incompetent”.
Questions remain unanswered
Trump promised the 100% tariff on “any and all movies made outside of the United States”. He did not specify when the levy would begin. The White House has yet to comment. It remains unclear if the tariffs would also cover films on streaming platforms such as Netflix. No details exist on how the charges would be calculated.
Canadian concerns
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce expressed “deep concern” over the proposal. The group stressed that US studios rely on Canadian crews, facilities, and talent. Catherine Fortin-LeFaivre, senior vice president for international policy, warned the tariffs would punish American studios. She argued the move would raise costs, reduce investment, and damage the shared competitive advantage. Fortin-LeFaivre added it could weaken both economies and endanger thousands of middle-class jobs.
Experts doubt feasibility
Analyst Dan Coatsworth from AJ Bell questioned how such a tariff could be applied. He explained tariffs usually target goods, not creative projects. He pointed out filmmakers often choose other countries due to tax incentives. According to him, the threat raises “more questions than it does answers”. Coatsworth noted that defining an American-made movie is difficult when funding or actors come from abroad. He warned that forcing studios to film in the US would increase costs and reduce demand for streaming services and cinemas. Despite the threat, he said investors remain calm. Stocks of companies like Netflix and Disney dipped only briefly before recovering.
Foreign production on the rise
Recent major US productions such as Deadpool & Wolverine, Wicked, and Gladiator II were filmed abroad. Research firm ProdPro reported that the US still plays a central role in global film production. Last year, the country reached $14.54 billion in production spending, a 26% drop compared with 2022. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK have all seen increased spending since 2022.
Britain awaits details
Government officials in London are waiting for clarification on how the new tariff would affect British studios. A spokesperson from the Department for Business & Trade said the British film sector employs millions of people and generates billions for the national economy.
Wider tariff package
Also on Monday, Trump confirmed a 10% tariff on imports of softwood timber and lumber. He announced 25% levies on kitchen cabinets, vanities, and upholstered wooden furniture. Earlier the same day, he hinted at the measures in another Truth Social post. He promised “substantial tariffs on any country that does not make its furniture in the United States”. According to a signed presidential proclamation, the tariffs will apply from 14 October. Some levies will rise next year if countries fail to reach agreements with Washington. These new measures follow last week’s announcement of 100% tariffs on branded or patented drug imports unless manufacturers invest in US-based factories.
