U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad, claiming foreign production incentives pose a national security threat to America’s film industry.
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform Sunday, stating he had authorised the Commerce Department and U.S. Trade Representative to begin implementing the tariff immediately.
“This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat,” Trump wrote. “It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded on X, saying “We’re on it,” though neither provided implementation details or clarified whether the measure would target American or foreign production companies filming overseas.
Film and television production in Los Angeles has declined nearly 40% over the past decade, according to non-profit FilmLA, while countries worldwide have increased tax incentives to attract productions from a global content creation market expected to reach $248 billion in 2025.
Australian and New Zealand officials quickly responded to Trump’s announcement, pledging to defend their film industries.
“Nobody should be under any doubt that we will be standing up unequivocally for the rights of the Australian screen industry,” said Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told reporters his government would await further details but would “be obviously a great advocate, great champion of that sector.”
The announcement follows Trump’s recent trade actions against China that have disrupted markets and sparked recession fears. China had already reduced its quota of American films in April in response to earlier U.S. tariffs.
(Source: The Guardian)
