More tariff threats: Trump targets international movies as Hollywood braces for box office blowback

President Donald Trump is on a roll, and now international movies could be next to face the same treatment as imported drugs: a 100% tariff, if he gets his way.

“Like stealing candy from a baby”

Trump first floated the idea back in May and has now doubled down, saying the measure would apply to all films produced overseas and shipped to the United States.

“Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America by other countries, just like stealing candy from a baby,” Trump wrote on Truth Social in his trademark style. “Therefore, in order to solve this long time, never ending problem, I will be imposing a 100% tariff on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Obstacles to Trump’s movie tariff

Whether he actually has the legal authority to do so is another story. Critics have already raised doubts, and experts note that enforcing such a sweeping tariff would be a logistical nightmare in today’s globalized film industry, where production and post-production often span multiple countries.

In 2024, production spending in the United States fell 26% compared with 2022, as American studios increasingly turn to foreign partners for financing, access to new markets and global distribution networks.

Moviegoers to shell out more

Even if the plan somehow goes forward, moviegoers would almost certainly feel the impact.

“There is too much uncertainty, and this latest move raises more questions than answers,” said Pablo Pescatore, a veteran analyst in telecoms, media and technology research. “For now, as things stand, costs are likely to increase, and this will inevitably be passed on to consumers.”

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