Donald Trump places 100pc tariff on foreign film industries in bid to revive ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’

Donald Trump has prompted fears for a crucial industry Down Under after slapping down a devastating 100 per cent tariff.

The United States will impose a 100 per cent import tariff on all films produced outside its borders,in a move President Donald Trump has claimed will bring back the “Golden Age of Hollywood”.

The decision, which applies to Australian productions, is expected to smash the country’s lucrative film sector.

Trump framed the policy as a response to what he called unfair incentives offered by other countries to lure American film studios abroad.

“The movie industry in America is dying a very fast death,” Trump wrote on social media.

“Other countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the USA, are being devastated.”

Labelling the issue a “national security threat,” Trump said foreign film production not only hurts the US economy, but also affects cultural messaging and propaganda.

“This is a concerted effort by other nations and, therefore, a national security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda,” he wrote.

Screen Producers Australia has issued a statement in response to the announcement, calling for government intervention to bolster the film industry Down Under.

Chris Hemsworth in a scene from Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which was filmed in Australia.

Aussie actress Naomi Watts has successfully infiltrated Hollywood. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

“At this stage, it is unclear what this announcement means in practice or how it will be applied and implemented,” SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said in a statement.

“There are many unknowns for our industry, but until we know more, there’s no doubt it will send shockwaves worldwide.

“For the Australian industry, it reinforces the need for the Government to focus immediately and swiftly on building a resilient local industry that can withstand global shocks like this.

“As we get set for our annual SCREEN FOREVER conference, set to start tomorrow, we’re certain today’s announcement will be the catalyst for many, many conversations between local and international industry executives and screen professionals.

“SPA will continue to monitor developments and await the Executive Order, which should provide further information on this.”

The Australian cinema industry is one of the largest in the world in terms of revenue, generating roughly $1.38 billion in box office revenue and around $3.86 billion from the wider filmed entertainment industry each year.

President Donald Trump, right, is joined by first lady Melania Trump's father Viktor Knavs, as they disembark Marine One upon arrival on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Sunday, May 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Trump said he had instructed the US Commerce Department and the United States Trade Representative to immediately implement the tariff.

“We want movies made in America again,” he added.

The policy builds on Trump’s earlier pledge to reinvigorate the US film sector. In January, he appointed actors Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as special ambassadors tasked with helping to bring Hollywood production back to the US.

“They will serve as special envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to foreign countries, back – bigger, better, and stronger than ever before,” Trump said at the time.

“These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, the Golden Age of Hollywood.”

Originally published as Donald Trump places 100pc tariff on foreign film industries in bid to revive ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’