Can Tariffs Really Save a Dying Hollywood?

By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | May 5, 2025

The global economy is dragging, weighed down by uncertainty, shrinking growth projections, and increasingly protectionist policies. At the center of this shift is the United States, where former President Donald Trump has returned to the spotlight with aggressive economic interventions. His latest move—a 100% tariff on foreign-produced movies—is a bold attempt to revive the struggling American film industry, which he claims is experiencing a "very fast death" due to more generous incentives offered abroad.

Trump’s tariff announcement adds another layer of unpredictability to a world economy already burdened by trade tensions. For decades, the global marketplace thrived on relatively free and predictable trade. But now, companies from multinational giants to small niche producers are scrambling to reassess supply chains, investment strategies, and market access. The broader consequence? A chilling effect on international business confidence and a reluctance to commit to long-term plans.

While the U.S. economy still boasts strong tech and financial sectors, the creative industries—Hollywood included—have suffered post-pandemic, with streaming upheavals, strikes, and rising production costs. Trump’s protectionist measure may temporarily shield domestic studios from foreign competition, but it risks triggering retaliatory trade barriers from other countries, potentially harming American media exports.

Reviving Hollywood is a compelling goal, especially given its historic role as a global cultural and economic powerhouse. However, a tariff war could backfire, further isolating the U.S. from the international marketplace. Long-term solutions might lie not in erecting walls but in fostering innovation, fair incentives, and global collaboration.

In the end, while Trump's move may score political points, it raises critical questions about how the U.S. balances economic revival with its leadership role in a deeply interconnected world.

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