‘Enormously concerned’ Trump’s new tariff could rock Far North’s budding film industry

The Far North’s budding film industry is at risk with US President Donald Trump’s 100 per cent tariff on foreign-made movies set to wreak havoc, according to a Cairns MP.

Actors Jessica De Gouw and Adrien Grenier on the set of new romantic comedy You, Always, which was filmed on location in Cairns and Screen Queensland Studio's, Cairns. Photo: Supplied.

The Far North’s budding film industry is at risk with US President Donald Trump’s 100 per cent tariff on foreign-made movies set to wreak havoc, according to Cairns MP Michael Healy.

This week President Trump announced a 100 per cent tariff on all movies “produced in foreign lands” via his Truth Social platform.

Mr Trump said the US film industry was dying a “very fast death” due to incentives offered by other countries.

“The industry is decimated, if you look at how little is done in this country now,” Mr Trump said.

“Not long ago we used to do 100 per cent, now we do almost, like, very little, it’s shocking.”

Queensland’s film industry has boomed in recent years, stimulated by a 30 per cent tax rebate offered by the federal government for large-budget film projects shot in Australia.

The rebate, legislated in 2024, has brought epic productions to Queensland, including billion-dollar franchise Godzilla vs Kong produced in the Gold Coast and upcoming rom-com You, Always filmed in Cairns.

Behind the scenes photos from the Godzilla vs Kong film set at the Gold Coast. Photos: Nathan McIlroy.

Mr Healy said the tariffs would put thousands of Far North jobs at risk.

“We’re waiting to get the finer details, but I think this announcement by the Trump administration is enormously concerning,” Mr Healy said.

“This is an industry that, not only the government but the private sector, employs thousands of people across Queensland, and we as a state have done very well in the past to ensure we get our fair share of this lucrative market.

“So it’s a real worry for us.”

In April 2024 Screen Queensland opened a $12.6 million film studio in Cairns, which includes a 1070sq m sound stage, production offices, editing suites and sound recording facilities.

Actors Jessica De Gouw and Adrien Grenier on the set of new romantic comedy You, Always, which was filmed on location in Cairns and Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns. Photo: Supplied.

“One of the reasons we put that in place was to ensure that Cairns could capitalise on the opportunities of the growing Australian film industry,” Mr Healy said.

“I know that they’ve been busy at the Cairns studio and I know they’ve got business coming, so whether they are going to be impacted we’ll have to wait and see.”

Screen Queensland is yet to comment on how the tariff would affect the state’s film industry.

“We are still awaiting detail following (this) news and are unable to comment on how the proposed tariff may impact the local sector until more information becomes available,” said a statement from Screen Queensland.

The new sound stage at the Cairns Screen Queensland studio complex. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek said Mr Trump’s social media post was the only information he had received on the tariff.

“We’ll be demanding the Federal Government take up the fight against any draconian tariffs that put this industry at risk,” Mr Langbroek said.

Queensland Minister for Arts and Education John-Paul Langbroek. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“We haven’t seen any executive orders from the White House and that’s why we need to have these details provided at the highest level from the federal government in their interaction with another national government.

“We’re rushing to get some clarification.”

Federal arts minister Tony Burke said he was monitoring the unfolding tariff “closely”.

“Nobody should be under any doubt that we will be standing up unequivocally for the rights of the Australian screen industry,” Mr Burke said.

Mr Trump’s tariff announcement came one day after a meeting with the White House appointed “special ambassador” to Hollywood Jon Voight.

Mr Voight delivered a “comprehensive plan” to the President over the weekend designed to reinvigorate Los Angeles’ film industry.

In Mr Voight’s proposal the only mention of tariffs was that they could be used “in certain limited circumstances” along with other measures, including federal tax incentives and infrastructure subsidies

‘Heat’ and ‘Midnight Cowboy’ actor Jon Voight was appointed “special ambassador” for Hollywood by US President Donald Trump. Picture: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images via AFP

In a statement on Monday the White House walked back Mr Trump’s announcement.

“No final decisions on foreign film tariffs have been made,” the statement said.

Originally published as ‘Enormously concerned’ Trump’s new tariff could rock Far North’s budding film industry