SRINAGAR: US President Donald Trump on Monday announced that his administration will impose a 100 per cent tariff on all films produced outside the United States and imported into the country.
The decision, unveiled on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, represents the first extension of his protectionist trade agenda into the cultural sector. “The movie industry in America is being stolen by foreign nations. It is like taking candy from a baby. We will now impose tariffs on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States,” he wrote. Donald J Trump (@realDonaldTrump), The Movie Industry in America is being stolen by Foreign Nations. Like taking candy from a baby! From now on, we will impose a 100 percent tariff on ANY and ALL movies made outside the United States. America First — even in Hollywood!
Industry experts warned that the measure could sharply increase costs for US distributors and audiences, while discouraging overseas filming and international co-productions on which many major studios rely.
Legal scholars also questioned the feasibility of enforcement, noting that films are often categorised as intellectual property or services rather than physical imports. “This proposal raises serious challenges about classification, enforcement and compliance under US trade law,” said Professor Alan Mitchell, an international trade lawyer at Georgetown University.
The White House has yet to outline the legal framework for the tariffs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters only: “We’re on it.”
Foreign governments are expected to lodge strong objections, with the prospect of retaliatory measures targeting American exports. “If enacted, this could have severe diplomatic repercussions, as cinema is not just an industry but also a vehicle of cultural exchange,”said Claire Beaumont, senior fellow at the London School of Economics, according to Reuters.
The announcement follows a series of tariff increases on steel, pharmaceuticals and other goods under Trump’s presidency, but marks an unprecedented step into the creative industries.
Hollywood studios and streaming platforms are awaiting clarification on how the tariffs will be applied. One senior executive at a Los Angeles studio said: “This could mean fewer international films for US audiences, higher subscription costs, and an overall narrowing of cultural horizons.
