Hold onto your popcorn 🍿: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he plans to slap a massive 100% tariff on all movies produced abroad and imported into the U.S.
"Our moviemaking business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other countries, just like stealing candy from a baby," Trump posted on Truth Social. But experts say the plan raises more questions than answers—starting with the legal basis for such a sweeping move.
Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight flags uncertainty: "Costs are likely to rise, and these will be passed on to moviegoers." And that's not all—Hollywood relies on global partnerships for everything from visual effects in London to post-production in Australia.
Making movies isn't like manufacturing gadgets. As producer Mark Wolradian explains, storytelling often requires overseas shoots to capture authentic settings. U.S. capacity is limited—Atlanta, for instance, can handle only around six films per year.
Instead of blanket penalties, Wolradian and other insiders urge the White House to offer tax incentives for domestic filming. After all, the U.S. film industry enjoyed a $15.3 billion trade surplus in 2023, backed by $22.6 billion in exports.
The real fallout? Higher ticket prices, slower production, and potential backlash from trade partners. Will Hollywood adapt or will the magic of movie-making suffer a blockbuster hit? 🎥🤔
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Trump says will impose 100% tariff on movies made outside U.S.
cgtn.com
