United States President Donald Trump has announced a bold new policy targeting the film industry, declaring that he will impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the United States. This decision was communicated through a social media post on a Sunday afternoon, where Trump labeled the production of movies in foreign countries as a "national security threat."
In his post, Trump stated, "The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!"
The specifics of how this tariff would be implemented remain unclear, as do the types of productions that would be affected. Many countries offer attractive tax incentives to lure international film productions, such as the UK, Australia, and various European countries.
Moreover, the allure of filming in exotic locations often drives movie productions overseas, enhancing the narrative and visual appeal of films. The impact of this tariff on global franchises like James Bond, John Wick, Extraction, or Mission: Impossible, which often feature international settings, is uncertain. Similarly, the future of films like the upcoming F1, shot on race tracks located outside the USA, is in question.
Additionally, the effects of this tariff on movies already in production or completed are unknown. It's also puzzling why the policy excludes television productions and what the repercussions might be for American films internationally if other countries retaliate against this move to penalize their productions for seeking to reach US audiences.