Outlook Business Desk
Trump announced 100% tariffs on foreign-made films. He blamed overseas incentives for killing Hollywood and called it a “national security threat.”
He claimed foreign films spread propaganda. "We want movies made in America, again!" trump said in his Truth social platform.
Trump didn’t specify if US studios filming abroad would be taxed, leaving major productions like Deadpool and Gladiator II in uncertainty.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “We’re on it.” But the exact execution of the tariffs remains unclear.
Australia and New Zealand backed their film sector. Australia’s home affairs minister Tony Burke promised full support for their screen sector.
US film production spending dropped 26% in 2023 to $14.54bn. Spending rose in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK as reported by BBC.
Trump appointed Voight, Gibson and Stallone—veteran Hollywood stars and his vocal supporters—as envoys to promote Hollywood and bring back lost business from foreign nations.
China reduced the number of US films it allows, saying US tariffs have damaged audience interest in American content.
The proposed tariff marks a critical point for Indian films in the US. With the industry’s growing presence in American markets, the policy could force significant shifts in how Indian cinema approaches international releases.