US President Donald Trump's announcement on Sunday to authorize the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all movies produced in foreign lands has provoked sharp backlash from industry insiders and analysts worldwide.
Trump, who wrote on social media that "The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death," set off alarms among studios, financiers and creative teams. A 100% levy on imported films could effectively double the cost of acquisitions, raising the bar for global blockbusters to enter the US market.
Mainstream outlets warn such a policy would undermine the global competitiveness of major American studios by driving up production and distribution costs. Industry veteran Carter Evans of CBS News described the plan as a "five-alarm fire," warning that low-budget and independent filmmakers may struggle to secure financing if forced to shoot domestically.
Streaming giants are also on edge. CNN Business reported that film and streaming executives are "downright apoplectic," fearing creative choke points and budget overruns. Executives worry plot lines might shift back to US-centric stories – and smaller studios could be forced out of the market entirely.
Investors reacted swiftly. On Monday, shares of major entertainment companies like Netflix dipped, reflecting concerns over an unpredictable policy environment. Analysts note that heightened costs and potential trade disputes with key production hubs could reverberate across global entertainment markets.
For a generation of global viewers – from digital nomads binge-watching in co-working spaces to cinephiles tracking international film festivals – the proposal raises questions about access, diversity of storytelling and the future of cross-border collaboration in cinema.
As Hollywood braces for possible hearings and public debates, experts say stakeholders should unite to assess the real-world impact. With creative talent scattered around the globe, many argue that safeguarding open cultural exchange is just as critical as economic competitiveness.
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'It makes no sense:' Industry experts blast Trump's film tariff plan
cgtn.com
