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Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs on multiple countries are continuing to send shockwaves through the nation, and now the film industry could face severe consequences.
Reports suggest that China is considering a move to block major U.S. blockbusters from screening in their country, in retaliation for the president’s decision to impose a 104% tariff on Chinese goods.
Reports indicate that two prominent Chinese bloggers, Liu Hong and Ren Yi, shared a set of measures that local authorities might consider as a response to President Trump’s controversial tariffs. One potential move involves China reducing or even banning the import of U.S. films, alongside raising tariffs on U.S. agricultural products and services. The bloggers cited unnamed sources familiar with the planning. This ban could significantly impact the Hollywood industry, as U.S. studios’ earnings from China have already been declining in recent years.
However, it’s not all bad news for U.S. films, as Warner Bros. and Legendary’s A Minecraft Movie opened in China this past weekend, earning $14.5 million, which accounts for 10 percent of its $144 million in international ticket sales.
Despite the backlash from Democrats, some Republicans, and the nation, Trump has made it clear he has no intention of backing down from the tariffs. During a fundraising gala for House Republicans on April 8, the former reality star confidently claimed that countries are already reaching out to him, eager to strike a deal.
“I know what the hell I’m doing,” Trump asserted during his speech. “I know what I’m doing. And you know what I’m doing too. That’s why you vote for me.”
He further emphasized: “These countries are calling us up, kissing my a–. They are. They are dying to make a deal,” before mocking foreign leaders in a dramatic tone: “Please, please, sir, make a deal. I’ll do anything. I’ll do anything, sir!”
As the nation anxiously awaits the impact of the new tariffs on their daily lives, Trump took to X on April 9 to reassure the public that everything is under control.
He posted: “BE COOL. Everything is going to work out well. The USA will be bigger and better than ever before!”
Following the White House’s decision to expand tariffs on all Chinese goods to an eye-watering 104 percent, Beijing retaliated with additional tariffs on imports, bringing the total to 84 percent.
He was photographed getting cozy with Shadowhunters actress and Palmer co-star Alisha Wainwright during a night out in New Orleans. The images, which showed the two holding hands, quickly spread online and stirred controversy.
In response, Timberlake issued a public apology on Instagram, saying:
“A few weeks ago, I displayed a strong lapse in judgment, but let me be clear—nothing happened between me and my co-star. I drank way too much that night and I regret my behavior. I should have known better.
“This is not the example I want to set for my son. I apologize to my amazing wife and family for putting them through such an embarrassing situation, and I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be. This was not that.”
The trade war has caused significant turmoil in the financial markets, with the S&P 500 fluctuating and remaining close to bear market territory, reflecting a 20 percent drop from its recent peak.
Later in the day, Trump announced that his controversial tariff plan would be paused for 90 days, following outreach from “more than 75 countries” attempting to negotiate a new deal.
However, he made it clear that China was not included in this pause, increasing their tariffs on imports to 125% “effective immediately” due to the “lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets.”
