President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 100% tariffs on foreign-made films, saying the move is necessary to protect the U.S. film industry from what he calls a “national security threat.”
The announcement, made via his social media platform Truth Social, has sparked global conversation and potential retaliation—particularly from China.
Trump: Foreign Film Production Is Hurting Hollywood
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump wrote:
“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States… This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat.”
He added that he is instructing the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to begin implementing a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced movies entering the U.S. market.
“WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!” Trump declared.
China May Retaliate with a U.S. Movie Ban
This bold move comes at a time of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. According to Bloomberg News, Chinese state-connected bloggers have hinted at plans to reduce or ban the import of U.S. films in response to President Trump’s broader tariffs—some of which include 104% duties on Chinese goods.
Two major Chinese bloggers—Liu Hong from Xinhua News Agency and Ren Yi, a political influencer with party ties—shared similar information sourced from Chinese government insiders.
U.S. Films Still Earn Big in China
In 2024, U.S. films earned around $585 million at the Chinese box office. Although this represents just 3.5% of China’s $17.71 billion total box office, it’s still significant revenue for Hollywood, especially for major blockbusters.
For example, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire alone grossed $132 million in China.
China’s Ne Zha 2 Breaks Animated Film Records
While the U.S. targets foreign productions, China’s own film industry is booming. Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animated blockbuster with a budget of $80 million, has earned $2.06 billion, making it the highest-grossing animated film in history, overtaking Pixar’s Inside Out 2.
The film is set to release in 37 European territories, including the UK and Ireland, and U.S.-based Chinese fans are pushing for a limited IMAX release in America.
President Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign films reflects his broader policy of “America First”—but it also raises questions about free trade, global cultural exchange, and the future of international box office cooperation.
With China considering a ban on U.S. films, the entertainment industry may soon face a new kind of trade war—played out not on factory floors, but in cinemas.