US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on movies made in foreign countries, arguing that overseas film production is undermining the American movie industry.
The president made the declaration on his Truth Social platform, describing the trend as part of a “concerted effort” by other nations to lure production with financial incentives—a move he called a “National Security threat.”
Trump wrote, “It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
Trump said he had authorized the US Department of Commerce and the US Trade Representative to begin implementing the tariffs, though it remains unclear how they would be calculated or whether they would apply to streaming platforms in addition to theatrical releases. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded, saying, “We’re on it,” but no further details were provided.
The announcement comes amid ongoing trade tensions, with Trump’s tariffs already disrupting global markets and raising prices on a wide range of goods.
International responses have begun trickling in, with officials from Australia and New Zealand voicing firm support for their domestic film sectors.
“Nobody should be under any doubt that we will be standing up unequivocally for the rights of the Australian screen industry,” said Australia’s home affairs minister Tony Burke.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon added, “We’ll be a great advocate, great champion of that sector and that industry.”
Meanwhile, major industry players such as the British Film Institute and the Motion Picture Association have yet to respond publicly to the proposed tariffs.
