Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Films Produced Outside the U.S.

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  Newsroom

• September 29, 2025

• Newsroom

Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Films Produced Outside the U.S.

President Donald Trump announced Monday (29) in a post on Truth Social that he intends to impose a 100% tariff “on every single film made outside the United States.”

If enacted, this would mark the first time the U.S. government has effectively imposed a tariff on a cultural service rather than on a raw product.

Trump had first floated the idea back in May, arguing that foreign countries offer generous tax incentives that have lured film productions abroad. In his latest remarks, the president singled out California, saying the state has been “particularly affected” by the migration of movie shoots overseas.

Editor’s Note: This content was originally published by CNN International.

Hollywood Reacts

The proposal has sent shockwaves through Hollywood. When the idea was first raised in May, industry executives described it as “stunning” and warned it could lead to a near-total halt in production.

“At first glance, it’s shocking and would represent a virtually complete shutdown of production,” a source in the industry told CNN at the time. “But in reality, he does not have jurisdiction to do this, and it would be extremely complex to implement.”

Despite skepticism about enforcement, the proposal reignites debate over the high costs of producing films in the U.S. According to Jay Sures, Vice Chairman of the United Talent Agency, “the fact is, it’s cheaper for Hollywood studios to put everyone on planes and in hotels abroad because labor costs, discounts, and the ability to shoot overseas are infinitely less expensive.”

What Comes Next

Trump did not specify when or how the tariff would be implemented. If carried out, the measure could reshape the global competitiveness of the film industry and escalate tensions between Washington, Hollywood, and countries currently benefiting from U.S. film productions attracted by tax breaks.