Donald Trump announces plans for a 100% tariff on foreign-produced films, stating, We want movies made in America.

In a recent announcement, Donald Trump expressed his desire to bolster the American film industry by authorizing the U.S. Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to initiate the process of imposing tariffs on foreign-produced movies. He emphasized the urgency of addressing what he perceives as a rapid decline in the American movie industry, attributing this decline to foreign countries that are enticing filmmakers and studios with various incentives to move their operations abroad. Trump described this trend as a concerted effort that poses a national security threat, characterizing it as messaging and propaganda against the U.S.

To combat this issue, Trump proposed instituting a 100% tariff on all movies produced in foreign lands, declaring a strong desire for films to be made in America once again. He explained that such tariffs would compel U.S. businesses and individuals to pay additional fees when importing films from overseas, effectively making it more expensive to acquire foreign films. This move is intended to encourage domestic production while also pressuring foreign businesses and governments to negotiate the removal of these tariffs.

While the exact definition of a film “produced in Foreign Lands” remains somewhat ambiguous, it is likely straightforward in the context of anime films, which are primarily produced in Asia. U.S. film distributors typically need to secure a license from the relevant Japanese production committees to screen these films. As a result, the tariffs might be applied when licensing films, levied as a tax on ticket sales, or through other means.

This proposed tariff comes in the wake of Trump’s previous tariffs on goods and a recent response from China, which indicated it would reduce the number of American films it imports. China’s National Film Administration criticized the U.S. government’s actions, suggesting that such tariffs could diminish the domestic audience’s favorability towards American films. In 2024, a limited number of American films—42, to be precise—were imported into China, which has stringent limitations on foreign films and TV series.

Interestingly, while this decision may adversely affect American producers who often film overseas, particularly in regions like the U.K., the distribution of anime films continues to thrive, generating significant revenue for Japanese production companies. Anticipation surrounds the upcoming release of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle,” with many believing it could eclipse the box office record set by “Mugen Train,” which grossed $507 million worldwide, nearly $50 million of that amount coming from the U.S. Additionally, the trend of early screenings for anime films, like “Solo Leveling,” “Witch Watch,” and “And DA and: Evil Eye,” highlights the growing popularity and revenue potential in the North American market, further underscored by events like GKIDS and Fathom Events’ annual Ghibli Fest.