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While there aren’t concrete details on how this tariff would be executed, those in the Australian filmmaking scene are already “shocked and surprised”.
‘A tax on Bluey’
“They’re producing a sequel, it’s called Unhappy Feet. There’ll be a march of penguins on Washington.”

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has urged United States President Donald Trump not to “tax” Bluey as he floats a 100 per cent tariff on all international films. Source: AAP / Ludo Studio
What impact would tariffs have on Australia’s film industry?
In Australia, there could be a big impact depending on whether the tariff would apply solely to theatrical releases or all international films and TV shows.

Australia could risk losing millions of dollars a year if Donald Trump were to go ahead with plans to tariff international movies. Source: SBS News
Foreign productions are big business for the local screen industry, according to the latest Screen Australia figures.
“If it does include both film and TV, that’s a massive chunk of the industry that we lose,” Ryan said. “That’s a lot of jobs that will be lost.”
“There are many unknowns for our industry, but until we know more, there’s no doubt it will send shockwaves worldwide.”
‘Shock and surprise’
“The madness coming out of the United States, surely it can’t stick around forever. Ultimately, either this administration will pass or common sense will prevail.”
“There’s a lot of uncertainty and a lot of people are worried because … people rely on these international movies for their bread and butter employment.”
Straight to streaming
“We could see more of the Netflix-style straight-to-streaming type movies being made, and all of that will lower the quality.”
If Trump were to adopt a similar tax-style model, that could mean movie ticket prices for international films, including Australian ones, could rise in the US.