President Donald Trump announced Monday that he plans to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced overseas and imported into the United States, reviving a threat first floated in May. The move could radically disrupt Hollywood’s global model, which depends on international production, co-financing, and foreign box-office revenue.
“Our movie-making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other countries — just like stealing candy from a baby,” Trump declared on Truth Social.
The White House has not explained what legal authority would support such a sweeping tariff or how it would be enforced. Major studios — including Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Skydance, Netflix, and Comcast’s Universal — declined to comment or did not respond to requests.
Analysts say the policy could drive up production costs, disrupt cross-border collaborations, and lead to higher ticket prices for U.S. consumers.
“There is too much uncertainty, and this raises more questions than answers,” said Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight. “For now, costs will likely rise — and that will be passed on to audiences.”
The U.S. film industry recorded a $15.3 billion trade surplus in 2023, exporting $22.6 billion worth of movies and TV. But enforcing a tariff could prove challenging, given today’s globalized filmmaking networks. Hollywood is watching closely — and bracing for impact.
