The move could disrupt Hollywood, where many films are partially shot, edited, or financed overseas|Thomas Wolf|CC BY-SA 3.0
President Donald Trump announced Monday he will impose a 100% tariff on movies made outside the US, claiming the film business has been “stolen” from Americans.
He blamed states like California, home to Hollywood, for being particularly hard hit and criticized Governor Gavin Newsom as “weak and incompetent.”
Trump argues foreign tax incentives encourage Hollywood studios to shoot overseas, lowering costs for crews, stages, and visual effects.
Details remain unclear, including how the tariff would be applied—whether on producers, distributors, or other parts of the production—and what qualifies as a foreign-made film.
The move could disrupt Hollywood, where many films are partially shot, edited, or financed overseas.
Big-budget films, including Mission: Impossible–The Final Reckoning and Jurassic World Rebirth, were largely produced abroad this year. Marvel Studios is filming upcoming Avengers sequels in London.
Data shows 29% fewer US movies and TV series with budgets over $40 million began filming in 2024 than in 2022.
Analysts warn the tariff could raise ticket prices or make films unprofitable.