Donald Trump's proposal to slap a 100% tariff on non-US films "could deal a knock-out blow" to the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's film industry, according to a statement from a trade union.
The former US president announced on Truth Social that he has directed government agencies to levy the tariff "on any and all movies coming into our country that are produced in foreign lands".
Philippa Childs, head of Bectu, remarked that the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's sector is "only just recovering" from the pandemic's effects, which saw numerous productions delayed or cancelled.
"The º£½ÇÊÓƵ is a world leader in film and TV production, employing thousands of talented workers, and this is a key growth sector in the Government's industrial strategy," she said.
"These tariffs, coming after Covid and the recent slowdown, could deal a knock-out blow to an industry that is only just recovering and will be really worrying news for tens of thousands of skilled freelancers who make films in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.
"The Government must move swiftly to defend this vital sector, and support the freelancers who power it, as a matter of essential national economic interest."
Trump's latest move is part of a broader trade conflict, which previously saw him impose tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods.
Tariffs act as taxes on imported goods, but the practicalities of enforcing such a tariff on international film productions remain uncertain. Many films are produced across a variety of locations, including the US and º£½ÇÊÓƵ.
Recent years have seen US film and television production face numerous challenges, such as the Covid pandemic, the Hollywood guild strikes of 2023, and the recent wildfires around Los Angeles.
Similarly, the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's film sector has been impacted by the pandemic and the repercussions of the US strikes.
In response to these challenges, last year the Government rolled out the Independent Film Tax Credit, offering productions with budgets up to £15 million an enhanced tax relief of 53%.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy remarked that this move was set to "sustain a world-leading industry here in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ".
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has been contacted for a statement.
