Trump's 100% tariffs may be 'knockout blow' for UK film

Donald Trump’s plan to impose a 100 per cent tariff on movies made outside the US could deal a knockout blow” to the UK film sector, a trade union has said.

- AGENCY REPORTERS

The US president said in a post on his Truth Social platform that he has authorised government departments to impose the tariff “on any and all movies coming into our country that are produced in foreign lands”.

Philippa Childs, head of the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (Bectu), said the UK industry is “only just recovering” from the impact of the Covid19 pandemic, when many productions were delayed or cancelled.

“The UK is a world leader in film and TV production, employing thousands of talented workers, and this is a key growth sector in the government’s industrial strategy,” she said.

“These tariffs, coming after Covid and the recent slowdown, could deal a knockout blow to an industry that is only just recovering and will be really worrying news for tens of thousands of skilled freelancers who make films in the UK.

“The government must move swiftly to defend this vital sector, and support the freelancers who power it, as a matter of essential national economic interest.”

Mr Trump has said he will impose “100% tariffs” on foreign films in what he claims is a bid to aid the Hollywood film industry.