New Zealand and Australia Promise to Protect the Film Industry From Trump’s Suggested Tariffs

Trump’s announcement of 100% tariffs on foreign-made films has prompted Australia and New Zealand to pledge to protect their film industry.

US President Donald Trump has declared his intention to slap a 100% tariff on all foreign-made films entering the American market, prompting Australia and New Zealand to pledge to protect their booming film industries.

Trump announced the move in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he claimed that foreign incentives for filmmakers were hastening the “very fast death” of the American film industry. According to him, US organizations, like as the Department of Commerce, will start putting the tariffs into effect right away.

Australia and New Zealand, two major foreign filming destinations that have long drawn Hollywood movies because of their affordable production costs and strong government incentives, are concerned about the shift.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke quickly reacted, stating that he had already discussed the proposed levies with Screen Australia, the government agency in charge of providing support for regional film production.

In a statement released on Monday, Burke stated, “There should be no question in anyone’s mind that we will be firmly defending the rights of the Australian film industry.”

Christopher Luxon, the prime minister of New Zealand, also spoke at the event. He stated that his government was still awaiting further details but reiterated its unwavering support for the regional film industry.

According to Luxon, “we’ll have to see the detail of what actually emerges in the end.” “However, we will undoubtedly be a strong supporter and champion of that industry and sector.”

Both countries have been popular locations for movies in recent years. Australia serves as the setting for popular films like The Matrix and is home to big production facilities like Marvel Studios. In an effort to attract foreign film productions, such as Thor: Love and Thunder, The Fall Guy, and Godzilla vs. Kong, the Australian government has provided A$540 million in tax benefits since 2019.

The foreign ministry of New Zealand, which is well-known for hosting the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, reported in March 2025 that the country’s film industry brings in NZ$3.5 billion (about $2 billion USD) a year, with the United States accounting for a third of that total.

Industry insiders worry that Trump’s planned tariffs, which the two nations are still awaiting further details on, may disrupt decades of international cooperation in film production and distribution, increase costs for US studios, and restrict creative collaborations globally.