Potential U.S. tariff on foreign films by Trump could deliver devastating blow to British film sector, claims union

Donald Trump's proposed 100% tariff on international films strikes a possible devastating blow to the UK's movie sector, warns union.

The former president's plan to slap a hefty tariff on flicks produced overseas is a move he believes will save the "struggling" American film industry. In a ballsy post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump declared his intention to levy a 100% tariff on international movies that enter the States, deeming the issue a "serious national security risk."

The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (BECTU) is none too pleased with this turn of events. With the UK film sector still recovering from the pandemic's havoc, which resulted in countless productions being delayed or scrapped altogether, such tariffs might deliver a one-two punch that the industry won't recover from.

In a not-so-veil threat, BECTU's head, Philippa Childs, warned this could be the proverbial "knock-out blow" for the beleaguered sector, and the potential consequences for the tens of thousands of skilled freelancers who work in the UK's film industry would be staggering. Childs implored the government to quickly step in to protect this vital sector and its workforce.

It's uncertain exactly how this tariff scheme would affect international productions, such as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which is shot in several countries, or streamed content. Major studio productions, like Barbie, wonka, and The Batman, have filmed at Leavesden studios in Hertfordshire, and James Bond films have graced Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.

As for Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros Discovery, and Universal-owner Comcast (also proprietor of our website)—their share prices were on the decline following the announcement. Cinemark and IMAX share prices plummeted by a substantial margin, too.

Trump's production buddy, Kirsty Bell of Goldfinch, weighed in on the turmoil, acknowledging that Hollywood is indeed facing some hard times. But, she astutely pointed out that the problem isn't foreign films taking over the domestic market, rather it's the lack of incentives for filmmakers who choose to shoot stateside. "Affordable labor, lower production budgets, and a dearth of tax credits" have driven the change in filmmaking practices, Bell explained. She suggested that focusing on building an entirely new ecosystem for filmmaking would be more effective in revitalizing Hollywood than putting up tariffs.

Government officials are tiptoeing around the topic, refusing to provide specifics about their ongoing talks with the US. A spokesperson cautioned that they can't comment publicly on the ongoing negotiations, while declaring that they will take a measured and pragmatic approach to safeguard the nation's acclaimed film industry.

The proposed tariff is just one part of Trump's wide-ranging crackdown on imports. In an April press conference outside the White House, he laid out plans for a 10% baseline tariff, with the tariff on Chinese goods rising to a staggering 145%. Hollywood has faced its own set of hurdles recently, including the 2023 writer's strikes, Los Angeles wildfires, and the pandemic, which is likely what prompted Trump to take action.

Last year, the UK government introduced the Independent Film Tax Credit, which grants increased tax relief of 53% for productions costing up to £15m. As the film world watches and waits to see the final outcome, one thing is clear—the proposed tariff could have far-reaching effects on both industries and the economic health of the nations involved. 🎬🚀💰🥊

The proposed 100% tariff on international films could deliver a devastating blow to the UK's movie sector, as warned by the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (BECTU).
In response to the potential impact of the tariff on international productions, Kirsty Bell of Goldfinch suggested building a new ecosystem for filmmaking in the US instead of putting up tariffs.
Aside from the proposed tariff on films, Trump has also announced plans for a 10% baseline tariff, with the tariff on Chinese goods rising to a staggering 145%.
In addition to the impact of tariffs on the film industry, the UK and US are also facing challenges such as the 2023 writer's strikes, Los Angeles wildfires, and the pandemic, all of which have been hampering the overall economic health of the nations involved.