Overview

• President Trump has directed the Department of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to begin implementing a 100% tariff on all movies produced abroad and imported to the U.S.
• The move is framed as a national security measure to counter foreign incentives and perceived propaganda, but no specifics on enforcement have been provided yet.
• Hollywood executives and trade experts express confusion over how the tariffs would apply to cross-border productions, streaming platforms, or digital distribution.
• California officials and legal analysts question the president's authority under existing trade laws, with some warning of potential global retaliation against U.S. films.
• The announcement comes as U.S. film production continues to decline domestically, with many projects opting for tax incentives in countries like Canada, the U.K., and Australia.