US President Donald Trump on Monday announced sweeping new tariffs, including a 100% levy on "any and all" movies produced outside the United States.
The move, he said, was aimed at protecting America’s film industry, which he claimed had been “stolen” by foreign countries, like "stealing candy from a baby".
Trump targets film industry with 100% tariff
In a Truth Social post, Trump declared: "Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing “candy from a baby.” California, with its weak and incompetent Governor, has been particularly hard hit! Therefore, in order to solve this long time, never ending problem, I will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States."
If enforced, the measure would mark the first time a US president has effectively placed tariffs on services rather than physical goods. Trump did not specify when or how the tariff would be enacted.
The president has previously argued that countries lure filmmakers abroad with tax incentives and cheaper labour costs, undercutting Hollywood production.
Tariffs on imported furniture
In another post, Trump announced “substantial tariffs” on imported furniture, arguing that North Carolina’s once-thriving furniture industry had been lost to China and other countries.
"In order to make North Carolina, which has completely lost its furniture business to China, and other Countries, GREAT again, I will be imposing substantial Tariffs on any Country that does not make its furniture in the United States. Details to follow!!! President DJT," Trump wrote.
He promised further details on the new tariff plan in the coming weeks.
Part of wider tariff wave
Earlier this week, Trump unveiled a series of tariffs on multiple industries. These included:
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100% tariff on pharmaceutical products (exempting companies building manufacturing plants in the US)
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50% tariff on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related items
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30% tariff on upholstered furniture
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25% tariff on heavy trucks
Trump clarified that “building” a pharma plant in the US meant the facility was either “breaking ground” or “under construction.”
Hollywood reacts with shock
Hollywood insiders have expressed disbelief since Trump first floated the idea in May. One industry source told CNN: “On first blush, it’s shocking and would represent a virtually complete halt of production. But in reality, he has no jurisdiction to do this and it’s too complex to enforce.”
Jay Sures, vice chairman of United Talent Agency, noted that studios often prefer to shoot abroad for cost reasons: “It’s cheaper for Hollywood studios to pay for everyone to get on planes, pay for hotels, because the cost of labor, lack of rebates and the ability to make things overseas is infinitely cheaper.”
