Trump Plans 100% Tariff on Foreign Films, Threatens Bollywood's U.S. Revenue

President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced films has triggered significant concern within India's film industry, as the United States represents a major market for Indian cinema, especially among the 5.2 million-strong Indian diaspora. Industry leaders warn that such a tariff could double distribution costs and drastically reduce box office revenue from the US, which currently accounts for up to 60% of overseas earnings for some Indian films. The lack of clarity around the definition of 'foreign produced' further adds to the uncertainty, with questions about whether post-production services or international collaborations will also be affected. While the White House has not made a final decision, Indian filmmakers and producers are already bracing for potential impacts on budgets, release strategies, and India's cultural influence abroad. Critics also point out that Trump's rationale for the tariffs—protecting American film production—overlooks the global nature of modern movie-making, where filming locations and financial incentives are often international. The proposed policy could dampen future collaborations between Indian and American filmmakers and limit the presence of Indian cinema in US theaters.