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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again sent shockwaves through the global entertainment industry with his announcement of plans to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States.
The declaration, made on Monday, September 29, 2025, via his Truth Social account, has sparked widespread debate and concern over its potential impact on Hollywood’s international operations and the global film economy.
In his post, Trump accused foreign countries of undermining America’s dominance in the movie business, equating their actions to “stealing candy from a baby.”
He argued that the United States must protect its creative industries from what he described as unfair foreign competition. However, he did not provide specifics on how such a sweeping policy would be enforced or the legal framework that would back it.
The proposal has left many industry stakeholders unsettled. Major Hollywood studios such as Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount Skydance, Netflix, and Comcast have not yet responded publicly, but analysts predict that the policy could create unprecedented uncertainty across the sector.
Modern film production is highly international, often relying on overseas filming locations, co-productions, and financing arrangements in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
A blanket tariff, critics argue, would not only raise costs for studios but also likely increase ticket prices for audiences worldwide.
Industry experts highlight that America’s film industry has long benefited from global engagement rather than being undermined by it.
According to the Motion Picture Association, the U.S. film and television sector recorded a trade surplus of $15.3 billion in 2023, with exports valued at $22.6 billion. These figures underscore the extent to which Hollywood relies on global distribution, partnerships, and viewership for its sustained success.
This is not the first time Trump has floated such an idea. Earlier in May, he hinted at the possibility of tariffs on foreign films, but entertainment guilds and unions urged him to instead consider tax incentives to strengthen domestic production.
They warned that punitive trade barriers could backfire, ultimately harming American workers involved in international projects, from actors and directors to crew members who often participate in cross-border collaborations.
Critics of Trump’s plan argue that it risks isolating the U.S. from an industry that thrives on cultural exchange and global storytelling.
They point out that many blockbuster films, even those produced by major American studios, rely heavily on international audiences for box office success. Imposing tariffs could deter foreign markets from screening American films, potentially sparking retaliatory measures that may reduce U.S. access abroad.
For Trump’s supporters, however, the proposal is seen as part of his broader agenda to protect American industries from foreign exploitation.
They view it as consistent with his earlier trade policies, which prioritized tariffs as a tool to rebalance what he perceived as unfair global trade practices.
As of now, the global entertainment industry is watching closely, awaiting clarification on whether Trump’s threat will translate into policy or remain rhetoric aimed at bolstering his political standing ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
What is certain is that the proposal, if implemented, would mark one of the most radical shifts in the history of Hollywood’s relationship with the rest of the world.
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