B.C. pushes back after new Trump tariffs threaten $2.6B film industry

B.C. Premier David Eby said that the province stands with workers in the B.C. film industry as U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new tariff over the weekend that could greatly impact Canadian and global film production.

Trump posted on Truth Social that a 100 per cent tariff on all movies produced outside the United States would be implemented, stating that the move was a matter of national security and economic urgency.

During a press conference in Victoria today about clean energy, Eby was asked about the latest Trump tariffs and what countermeasures B.C. could implement if the new policy were to be enacted.

The premier replied that the province had stepped up to support the industry that “touches every corner of our province,” and that the proposed 100 per cent tariff on all movies produced outside the U.S. would just hurt Americans.

“The president’s proposal is incredibly hard to understand,” added Eby. “Try to imagine, as an American, an option for two versions of Netflix. One where you get just a handful of productions, and the other, you pay $50 a month or $100 a month and you get to see what everyone else in the world gets to see. The implementation would be challenging, as an understatement.”

“Regardless, even if the president does somehow find a way, we will stand with our film industry and we’ll stand with the film industry around the world to make sure that we are protecting the rights of Americans to see what they want to see, which includes high-quality productions filmed right here in Canada.

According to the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, in 2023, the province’s motion picture industry created thousands of jobs for residents in the province and generated more than $2.6 billion in GDP.

Recent Hollywood blockbusters filmed in Vancouver include The Last of Us, Tron: Ares, and Black Mirror.

“This is more chaos and uncertainty from the White House,” said B.C Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, Spencer Chandra Herbert in a statement to Daily Hive. “Every day Trump says something different. At this point, no policy has officially been enacted. Trump’s threat is still just a social media post, and we’ll continue to closely monitor developments, but there would be many legal and logistical hurdles for him to implement this.

“We share the concerns this is creating for the more than 70,000 people who work in B.C.’s motion picture industry. Let me be clear: B.C. will always stand up for our workers and for the enormous economic contributions of this vital industry. We remain in regular contact with major studios, unions, and partners, and we’re working closely with the federal government to ensure B.C.’s interests are front and centre.”

Just before Christmas 2024, the Government of British Columbia announced it would increase tax incentives for the film and television production industry to attract and encourage more productions in the province.

BC’s Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC) for foreign projects increased from 28 per cent to 36 per cent for productions with principal photography. Furthermore, major big-budget productions with a B.C.-made production cost of over $200 million will receive a 2 per cent tax credit bonus.

“Our relationships with international production partners remain strong, and we’re doing everything we can to keep B.C. competitive, stable, and attractive to new productions. Productions already underway or scheduled to begin are continuing as planned,” added Herbert.

“We’ve recently enhanced our tax credits, and we’re already seeing results—global studios are choosing B.C. because of our talent, infrastructure, and reliability. With world-class crews, stunning locations, and a stable production environment, B.C. continues to lead on the world stage.

“To the people in B.C who work in the motion picture sector: don’t panic. Trump says a lot of things—this tariff idea is full of challenges. We stand with you. Your skill, creativity, and hard work are the reasons productions choose B.C. No matter what happens south of the border, our government will keep supporting this industry and protecting your jobs.”

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also spoke out in response to Trump’s proposal of a 100 per cent tariff on foreign-produced films.

“This proposed tariff doesn’t just hurt Canadian cities like Vancouver. It threatens the strength and resiliency of an entire industry, especially in the United States, that thrives on collaboration,” said Sim in a statement. “We should be working together to create jobs, support talent, and build on our shared success. Not creating friction between neighbours and allies.

“Despite President Trump’s statement, Vancouver’s film industry isn’t going anywhere. We will continue to support world-class productions, champion innovation in visual effects, and provide an exceptional home for creative professionals from around the globe.”

The White House said in a statement on Monday that no final decisions on foreign film tariffs have been made, but that the Administration is exploring all options to deliver on Trump’s directive.

Daily Hive has reached out to Creative BC and will update this story when we receive a response.

With files from Amir Ali and Kenneth Chan

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