Donald Trump has vowed too impose a 100% tariff on all movies made outside of the United States if re-elected, a move he claims will protect the American film industry and bring jobs back to the country. The former president announced the proposal at a campaign rally in Concord, New Hampshire, on Thursday, framing it as a necessary step to counter what he described as unfair trade practices.
The proposed tariff would dramatically increase the cost of importing foreign films into the U.S., potentially impacting the availability and affordability of movies from countries like India, the United Kingdom, and France. While the full economic consequences are still being assessed, the policy aims to incentivize film production within the United States, bolstering domestic studios and employment. the move represents a significant escalation in Trump’s protectionist trade policies and could trigger retaliatory tariffs from other nations, disrupting the global film market.
“We’re going to have a 100% tariff on any movie made outside of the country,” Trump stated. “We’re going to bring Hollywood back to America. They’re making movies all over the world, and it’s not good for our country.” He further argued that the revenue generated from the tariff would be used to fund other initiatives.
The American film industry has experienced a shift in recent years, with increasing production taking place in locations offering tax incentives and lower labor costs. States like Georgia and Louisiana have become popular filming destinations, attracting major productions with financial benefits. Though, international locations also compete for film projects, contributing to a globalized production landscape.
Details regarding the implementation of the tariff, including potential exemptions and legal challenges, remain unclear. Trade experts suggest the policy could face opposition from both domestic consumers and international trade organizations, potentially leading to disputes at the World Trade Institution. The proposal is likely to become a key point of debate as the 2024 presidential election approaches.