Donald Trump’s plan to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the US has raised concerns among broadcasting unions in the UK. The president’s intention to target foreign-made films as part of his trade war could have devastating effects on the UK film sector, which is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Mr. Trump announced the authorization of a 100% tariff on all movies produced in foreign countries entering the US, citing it as a national security threat.
Philippa Childs, head of the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications, and Theatre Union (BECTU), expressed worries that such tariffs could severely harm the UK film industry, which employs thousands of workers and plays a vital role in the government’s industrial strategy. She emphasized the importance of defending this sector and supporting the freelancers who contribute to it.
The potential ramifications of these tariffs on international productions, such as the upcoming Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, remain uncertain. Blockbusters like Barbie, Wonka, The Batman, and James Bond films have been filmed in the UK, raising questions about how these tariffs would impact such projects. Additionally, it is unclear whether the tariffs would apply to films released on streaming platforms.
The industry’s response to Mr. Trump’s tariff announcement has been mixed. While some agree that the entertainment sector is facing challenges, others believe that tariffs are not the solution. Kirsty Bell, chief executive of production company Goldfinch, highlighted the need for a new approach to filmmaking in response to changing viewing habits and industry structures.
The UK government’s Independent Film Tax Credit, introduced last year, provides increased tax relief for productions up to £15m, aiming to support the local film industry. However, the ongoing discussions between the US and the UK on economic deals have added further uncertainty to the situation.
Mr. Trump’s latest tariff announcement is part of a broader crackdown on US imports, with varying tariffs imposed on goods from different countries. The US film and television production industry has faced challenges in recent years due to various factors, including the Hollywood strikes of 2023, wildfires in the Los Angeles area, and the pandemic.
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