Australia and New Zealand express solidarity for their film industries in response to Trump's proposed tariffs.
Down Under's Film Industries Brace for Potential Tariffs
Have a feeling of déjà vu? Because it's Hollywood calling the shots again.
In a striking turn of events, Australia and New Zealand are prepping for a showdown with the U.S. film industry after President Trump announced plans to impose 100% tariffs on foreign-made movies.
Recent years have seen these Pacific locals become popular destinations for Hollywood thanks to lower costs and government incentives. This, according to Trump, has led to the slow demise of the American cinematic empire. He recently posted on Truth Social, naming this decline a "very fast death" fueled by foreign incentives.
Trump's post stated the U.S. Departments like the Commerce would be tasked with implementing these tariffs immediately.
Siding with the home team, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke discussed the matter with Screen Australia, a government body that offers funding for screen content development, production, and marketing. Burke vowed to stand firmly behind Australia's screen industry.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated they were anxiously awaiting further details on this proposed tariff situation, promising to advocate strongly for the film sector.
The Australian and New Zealand film and television sectors were valued at over A$7.08 billion and NZ$6.5 billion, respectively, in 2025. Both countries have hosted high-profile productions such as Marvel's "Thor: Love and Thunder," Universal's "The Fall Guy," and "Godzilla vs Kong."
Not only could tariffs negatively affect these economies, but they might limit market access for the countries' films in the U.S. and impact cultural exchange between nations. Additionally, tariffs could potentially strain trade relations with the U.S., leading to retaliatory measures or broader trade conflicts.
For the Aussies, potential mitigation strategies might include increasing co-productions with U.S. studios, focusing on digital distribution, and advocating for government support or negotiating exemptions.
Stay savvy, folks—now more than ever, it pays to keep an eye on the wild ride of global cinema politics. But remember, as of now, there's still no concrete plan for the U.S. to slap these tariffs on foreign films, so let's hold our breath... or pop some popcorn, I guess.
Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, in response to potential tariffs on foreign-made movies announced by President Trump, has discussed the matter with Screen Australia, authorizing them to stand firmly behind Australia's screen industry in movies-and-tv entertainment. should these tariffs be implemented, they could limit market access for Australian films in the U.S., potentially impacting cultural exchange, straining trade relations, and necessitating mitigation strategies such as increasing co-productions with U.S. studios, focusing on digital distribution, and advocating for government support or negotiating exemptions.
