Islamabad, May 5, 2025: Former US President Donald Trump has unveiled plans to introduce a 100 per cent tariff on all films produced outside the United States.
The move, announced on his platform Truth Social, is being framed as a response to what he described as threats to national security and growing foreign influence in American media.
In his post, Trump claimed that the American film industry was in steep decline.
He attributed this downturn to foreign efforts, which he believes are part of a wider strategy aimed at weakening the US through cultural channels.
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The former president also expressed concern about the use of international films as tools of propaganda.
Trump has directed the Commerce Department and USTR to prepare for this unusual policy targeting creative content over traditional goods.
According to him, the objective is to create fairer conditions for domestic production and to discourage US studios from filming abroad—a practice he says is encouraged by foreign tax incentives.
Reiterating his long-standing slogan, Trump said he wants movies to be “made in America again”, aligning this push with his broader message of economic nationalism.
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The proposal follows China’s cut in US film imports, seen as a response to Trump’s renewed trade measures.
Experts warn the film tariff could backfire. Major US studios like Disney and Warner Bros, which often shoot overseas to save money, might face additional financial challenges.
Analysts speaking to CNN noted that the industry is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, with tight budgets and slow box office returns adding to existing pressures.
Trade specialists say the proposal could clash with international rules under the World Trade Organization, especially since it targets services rather than goods.
Unions and global partners stay silent as observers see the move as Trump’s appeal to pro-industry voters, with its outcome tied to politics and global reaction.
