President Donald Trump has renewed his push for a 100% tariff on foreign-produced films, creating fresh uncertainty for Hollywood studios and streaming services. The announcement, made through his social media platform, marks a shift from earlier statements that trade officials were only evaluating the idea.
Potential Impact on Apple TV+
Apple’s streaming service is among those most exposed to the proposal. Apple TV+ invests heavily in global productions, with major projects filmed across Europe and Asia. Its Formula 1 feature, shot in Belgium, Italy, the UK, and Japan, as well as internationally produced series such as Slow Horses, Silo, Bad Sisters, and Foundation, could face significant cost increases if tariffs extend beyond films to television content.
The challenge lies in the lack of clarity. It is not yet clear whether the tariffs would target only feature films or if episodic series would also be affected. If applied broadly, studios may find the financial benefits of filming overseas diminished, potentially forcing changes to long-standing production strategies.
Industry Concerns Over Tariff Strategy
Figures across the entertainment world are questioning the logic behind such a sweeping measure. No major studio or labor group has requested tariffs of this kind, and many fear the move is more symbolic than practical. The larger concern is retaliation: foreign governments could impose their own trade barriers on American movies. Since the United States exports far more films than it imports, Hollywood could lose far more than it gains from such a policy.
Uncertain Road Ahead
The timeline for implementation remains unknown, and questions surround whether completed films, projects in editing, or co-productions between U.S. and foreign studios would be subject to the tariffs. While the policy could generate short-term revenue for the U.S. government, the long-term consequences could include higher production costs for companies like Apple and strained relationships with international partners.
If enacted, the tariffs risk igniting a trade battle in the entertainment sector, threatening not only streaming platforms but also America’s long-standing dominance in the global film market.