Trump's 100% Tariffs on Foreign Films Aim to Revive U.S. Industry, Impact Streaming Platforms

President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States, aiming to revive what he describes as a 'dying' U.S. film industry. The proposed tariffs have sparked widespread concern and confusion within the global film community, with potential impacts on international film distribution and production. The announcement has led to a significant drop in stock prices for major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney, and Paramount, as investors react to the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs. These companies, which produce between 25% and 50% of their content abroad, face potential disruptions in their business models. Film industries around the world, including those in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the UK, have expressed alarm over the proposed tariffs. In Australia, there are calls for actor Mel Gibson to intervene and persuade Trump to reconsider the policy, which could severely impact the country's $650 million Hollywood business. Jon Voight has also presented a plan to 'make Hollywood great again' to Trump. In response to the tariff threat, various countries are taking action. The UK government is engaging in discussions with the U.S. administration, while Australia's re-elected Labor Party government plans to argue against the tariffs. In Canada, the Toronto International Film Festival's CEO emphasized the country's integral role in Hollywood's success, suggesting that the tariffs could disrupt the cross-border cultural union. The proposed tariffs have also drawn criticism from within the U.S. Some lawmakers suggest alternative incentives to boost domestic filmmaking, while the Teamsters union has expressed support for the tariffs, citing Hollywood's outsourcing practices as detrimental to American workers. Additionally, there is discussion about the potential use of AI in film production to circumvent the tariffs.