Trump Imposes 100% Tariff on Imported Films to Boost U.S. Movie Industry

WASHINGTON (RNN TV) — U.S. President Donald Trump announced a blanket 100% tariff on all films produced outside America, calling it a necessary step to shield Hollywood from what he described as years of unfair competition.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump argued that international studios had undermined the U.S. film business, comparing the situation to “stealing candy from a baby.”

“The American movie industry has been robbed by other countries for far too long,” he wrote. “California, already suffering under its weak governor, has been hit the hardest. To fix this long-standing problem, I am imposing a 100% tariff on every film produced abroad.”

The announcement is part of a broader set of trade measures aimed at strengthening domestic industries, though critics warn it could spark retaliation from global film markets and disrupt international box office partnerships.

If enforced, the measure would mark the first time a US president has effectively placed tariffs on services rather than physical goods. Trump did not specify when or how the tariff would be enacted.

The president has previously argued that countries lure filmmakers abroad with tax incentives and cheaper labour costs, undercutting Hollywood production.

In another post, Trump announced “substantial tariffs” on imported furniture, arguing that North Carolina’s once-thriving furniture industry had been lost to China and other countries.

“In order to make North Carolina, which has completely lost its furniture business to China, and other Countries, GREAT again, I will be imposing substantial Tariffs on any Country that does not make its furniture in the United States. Details to follow!!! President DJT,” Trump wrote.

He promised further details on the new tariff plan in the coming weeks.

Earlier this week, Trump unveiled a series of tariffs on multiple industries. These included:

100% tariff on pharmaceutical products (exempting companies building manufacturing plants in the US)
50% tariff on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related items
30% tariff on upholstered furniture
25% tariff on heavy trucks

Trump clarified that “building” a pharma plant in the US meant the facility was either “breaking ground” or “under construction.”

Hollywood insiders have expressed disbelief since Trump first floated the idea in May. One industry source told CNN: “On first blush, it’s shocking and would represent a virtually complete halt of production. But in reality, he has no jurisdiction to do this and it’s too complex to enforce.”

Jay Sures, vice chairman of United Talent Agency, noted that studios often prefer to shoot abroad for cost reasons: “It’s cheaper for Hollywood studios to pay for everyone to get on planes, pay for hotels, because the cost of labor, lack of rebates and the ability to make things overseas is infinitely cheaper.”

Source: Web Desk