Donald Trump announces 100% tariff on films made outside US, new duties on imported furniture

In a series of posts on Truth Social, President Trump said he would impose a 100% tariff on “any and all movies made outside of the United States”, claiming the American movie business had been “stolen by other countries like candy from a baby.”

“California, with its weak and incompetent Governor, has been particularly hard hit!” he wrote, promising the tariffs would restore Hollywood’s dominance.

The president also unveiled plans for “substantial tariffs” on countries that do not manufacture their furniture within the US, specifically citing the collapse of North Carolina’s once-thriving industry.

“This will bring the furniture business back to North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan and states all across the Union,” he said.

Film industry under pressure

Hollywood has faced mounting difficulties in recent years, with box-office revenues falling as streaming platforms reshape viewing habits.

Production also slowed sharply following the 2023 Writers Guild strike and subsequent labour unrest, which inflicted an estimated $5 billion loss that year alone. Many jobs lost during the strikes have yet to return.

Tariff timeline and impact

The new duties follow Trump’s earlier announcement of a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products and a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture, set to take effect October 1, 2025.

Furniture imports have surged in the past two decades, with US manufacturing jobs in the sector cut nearly in half since 2000.

In 2024, the US imported $25.5 billion worth of furniture, more than half from Vietnam and China, according to Reuters.

Analysts warn that tariffs could raise prices for consumers.

Reuters reported that import duties are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to control costs, with household items from clothing to televisions already rising in price amid inflation and supply-chain pressures.

President Trump has promised “details to follow” on how the movie tariffs will be implemented.