America’s 100% film tariff: Self-protection or self-sabotage?

PRESIDENT Trump' latest salvo in his trade wars — a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced films — has left even his own base scratching their heads.

- HE ZHAO YINAN

The move, framed as a defence of Hollywood, may be its death knell. Here's why this policy isn’t just misguided — it’s dangerously self-defeating.

1. Hollywood's Self-Inflicted Wound

Let’s be real: Hollywood doesn't need protection from foreign films. It needs protection from its own government’s economic illiteracy.

The North American box office is already dominated by US productions — foreign films account for a sliver of the market. Slapping tariffs on them won't “save” American cinema; it will only accelerate Hollywood's decline by:

-Crushing indie theaters that rely on foreign art films.

-Pushing more viewers to streaming, where Netflix and Amazon already call the shots. Inviting retaliation from countries that actually fund Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

2. The Streaming Endgame