Trump's proposed movie tariffs counterproductive to reviving Hollywood: expert

China

Trump's proposed movie tariffs counterproductive to reviving Hollywood: expert

2025-05-10 14:28 Last Updated At：05-11 00:07

U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed 100 percent tariff on foreign films could jeopardize Hollywood's critical role in boosting American soft power and revenue, with experts warning this move might "kill the goose that lays the golden eggs."

Trump announced on May 4 that he plans to impose a 100 percent tariff on films produced overseas to spur the production of feature films in America and to save "dying" Hollywood.

Stanley Rosen, a professor at the University of Southern California, criticized the proposal during an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV), calling it unrealistic and harmful to overseas Hollywood productions.

"Foreign films have maybe one percent of the box office in the United States. It doesn't really matter. It's on Hollywood productions that are filmed overseas and that's really what will be devastating," Rosen said.

Rosen further pointed out that the Trump administration has yet to clarify how the tariff policy would be implemented. Unlike tangible goods, determining the taxable value of films poses a significant challenge, he noted, adding that it is exceedingly difficult to move Hollywood productions back to the U.S. in a globalized economy.

According to Rosen, the proposal appears designed to stoke fear and attract attention rather than address genuine economic concerns.

"Trump hasn't fleshed it out. The White House has already walked it back and saying no decisions have been made on any of this. It's simply Donald Trump in a typical fashion getting the attention of the world, not just the United States, and panicking people. The ironic aspect of this is American trade balances are very positive when it comes to entertainment and services. Hollywood is one of the main generators, not just of soft power, but revenue for the United States in a sense. So if these were to be affected by Trump's policies, it would be killing the goose that lays the golden eggs," said Rosen.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.