Trump Slaps 100% Levies on Foreign-Made Films

President Donald Trump said he will impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the United States — a vague directive aimed at protecting an industry America already dominates, Wyatte Grantham-Philips and Paul Wiseman reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Questions also linger over U.S. movies filmed abroad — such as James Bond or Jason Bourne installments — and the legal authority for the tariffs. (Photo: Universal)

Trump claimed foreign production “has been stolen” from Hollywood, posting on Truth Social: “I will be imposing a 100% tariff on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States.”

It remains unclear how such tariffs would work, as films and TV shows are often distributed digitally rather than through ports.

Questions also linger over U.S. movies filmed abroad — such as James Bond or Jason Bourne installments — and the legal authority for the tariffs.

Trump first floated the idea in May but has not specified when it might take effect.

Analysts note the unusual choice of target: American films already dominate globally, with U.S.-produced movies generating $22.6 billion in exports and a $15.3 billion trade surplus in 2023, according to the Motion Picture Association.