The UK government is monitoring the situation closely.
Donald Trump has intensified his economic protectionism by announcing plans for a 100% tariff on all films made outside the United States.
He claimed the American movie industry had been “stolen” by other countries.
The US president said California had been particularly devastated, blaming its governor for “weak and incompetent” leadership.
Trump insisted the levy would “solve this long-time, never-ending problem” facing Hollywood’s global competitiveness.
In May, Trump revealed he would meet Hollywood executives to discuss imposing the tariff.
He said America’s film industry was dying “a very fast death” without such measures.
Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump compared foreign countries taking America’s film market share to “stealing candy from a baby”.
He vowed the levy would apply to “any and all” foreign-made movies.
However, Trump offered no timeline for implementation.
Uncertainty remains over whether the tariff would extend to streaming services or cinema-only releases.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce expressed alarm at the proposal.
It warned that US studios frequently rely on Canadian crews, facilities and talent, meaning the tariffs could harm the very businesses Trump seeks to protect.
Several major recent blockbusters, including Deadpool & Wolverine, Wicked and Gladiator II, were filmed abroad despite being US studio productions.
This underlines the globalised nature of modern filmmaking.
Research from industry group ProdPro confirmed the US remains a dominant film hub but faces challenges.
Production spending fell 26% last year to $14.54 billion, as more studios shifted projects overseas.
Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK all saw increased film production spending since 2022.
These countries are continuing to attract high-profile projects with generous tax breaks and infrastructure.
The BBC reported the UK government is monitoring the situation closely.
A spokesperson for the Department for Business & Trade emphasised that the British film sector generates billions and supports millions of jobs nationwide.
The proposed film tariffs come alongside a raft of new trade measures.
Trump recently imposed 100% levies on patented drug imports and 50% duties on kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
On September 19, Trump separately announced 10% tariffs on imports of softwood timber and lumber, and 25% levies on upholstered wooden furniture, vanities and kitchen cabinets.
These are due to take effect from October 14.
In a Truth Social post, Trump hinted at broader trade plans, threatening “substantial Tariffs on any Country that does not make its furniture in the United States”.
He promised further details soon.
While his tariffs on drugs and furniture already carry dates and conditions, Trump has yet to specify how or when the movie levy will be enforced.
For now, uncertainty clouds the entertainment industry worldwide.
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