Film industry thrown into turmoil by political decision

The global entertainment industry is in turmoil and concern after US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the US, Reuters reports. The measure, part of Trump's protectionist trade policies, was not clearly detailed and raises many questions about its application. Trump did not specify whether the tariff would apply only to films released in cinemas or also to those distributed on streaming platforms, how the tariff would be calculated - based on production costs or receipts, what would happen to international co-productions, such as "James Bond" or "Mission: Impossible".

• Reactions also on stock exchanges

The White House confirmed that there is no final decision yet and that consultations with industry representatives will follow, at a time when film production in the US has declined. Immediate impact: Netflix shares fell 1.5%, among the most exposed, with many international productions. Other companies affected: Disney, Warner Bros Discovery, Comcast, as well as operators Cinemark (-2.1%) and IMAX (-1.6%).

Critics warn that: the tariffs will increase costs, which will ultimately be borne by consumers; that trade retaliation could follow, affecting exports of American films; and that they will destabilize international production chains, already affected by recent strikes and a decline in traditional TV audiences. "We have more to lose than to gain," said William Reinsch, a former Commerce Department official.

Countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand reacted quickly, promising to protect their domestic film industries. Currently, all five preferred filming destinations scheduled by major American studios in 2025-2026 are outside the United States.