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Donald Trump says he has authorized the U.S. Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to begin the process of imposing tariffs on movies produced in a foreign country, in a bid that would directly affect anime films shown in the U.S. In a post to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said:
“Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!“
America imposing tariffs means that U.S. businesses and individuals pay additional fees to import goods and/or services from overseas. By making it more expensive to import overseas goods, they aim to push U.S. businesses to produce domestically. This naturally also hits foreign businesses that previously benefited from overseas income, and can thus act as a pressure tactic to force foreign governments and businesses to concede in some areas to have the tariffs removed.
While it’s currently unclear what Trump means by a film “produced in Foreign Lands,” as some parts may be done domestically and others internationally, in the case of anime films, this is likely simple; most Japanese anime are near entirely produced in Asia. U.S. film distributors must acquire a license from the (usually) Japanese production committee/rights-holders to showcase them in theaters. The government may collect the tariff when companies pay to license the film, as a fee on ticket sales, or through some other means.
This move follows Trump’s tariffs on goods and China’s recent response on goods and films, announcing it will “moderately reduce the number of American films imported” in April (via Al Jazeera). “The wrong move by the US government to abuse tariffs on China will inevitably further reduce the domestic audience’s favourability towards American films,” China’s National Film Administration said. “We will follow market rules, respect the audience’s choice, and moderately reduce the number of American films imported.” 42 American films were imported into China in 2024 (Omdia, via LA Times), with the country having long held limits on the number of imported films and TV series.
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While this will hurt American producers, with many of their films produced overseas, such as in the U.K., anime film distribution is a growing source of revenue for Japanese production companies. Many tip the upcoming Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle film to challenge the box office record set by Mugen Train in 2020, which grossed $507 million worldwide, nearly $50 million of which was in the U.S. Early screenings of anime films are also an important revenue stream. In the past year, Solo Leveling, Witch Watchand And Da and all received early theatrical releases, with And Da and: Evil Eye set to premiere in North American theaters on June 6. GKIDS and Fathom Events’ annual Ghibli Fest also kicks off starting May 17.
Source: Deadline, Truth Social
©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable
