US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, escalating his administration’s global trade offensive.

Declaring that America’s film industry is facing a “rapid decline,” Trump said he had directed the Department of Commerce and the US Trade Representative to initiate the process of levying tariffs on foreign-made movies. 

He accused other countries of luring away productions through incentives, calling the practice a “national security threat” and a tool of “propaganda.”

“We want movies made in America again!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded briefly, saying the department is moving forward with the directive.

However, Trump did not specify whether the tariffs would extend to US studios filming abroad. Many recent Hollywood blockbusters, including Deadpool & Wolverine, Wicked, and Gladiator II, were filmed outside the country.

Governments in Australia and New Zealand have pushed back. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke pledged unwavering support for his nation’s film industry, while New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his government awaits clarification but stands firmly behind its creative sector.

Since retaking office in January, Trump has reinstated sweeping tariffs, arguing they safeguard American jobs and industries. Yet global markets have been rattled, with rising prices and strained trade relations.

Earlier in his term, Trump appointed actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as special envoys to help revive Hollywood, which he described as "troubled."

Despite challenges, the US remains a major production hub, generating $14.54 billion in film spending last year—down 26% from 2022—according to industry tracker ProdPro.

Meanwhile, countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand have seen rising film investment, further intensifying the global competition Trump aims to curtail.

Source: BBC

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