US–Australia Film Links Will Withstand Trump Tariffs: Commerce Chamber

April Palmerlee says US–Australia creative ties will remain strong despite new trade move.

The Hollywood sign stands at dusk in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 27, 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images

A week after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100 percent tariff on films made outside the United States, the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AmCham) acknowledged the move had raised legitimate concerns.

While the proposed measures were worrying, AmCham CEO April Palmerlee said it would not undo decades of collaboration between Hollywood and the Australian screen sector.

“While the proposed tariff raises understandable concerns, I’m confident that the deep ties between the United States and Australia—built over decades of shared investment and creativity—will remain strong,” Palmerlee told The Epoch Times.

“Film has always been a bridge between our two nations, and we want that to continue.”

Palmerlee said the partnership between Hollywood and the Australian film industry has been one of the “real success stories” of the bilateral relationship.

“When American studios film Down Under, they gain access to exceptional crews, cutting-edge facilities, and a highly efficient production environment—all within a trusted, like-minded economy with IP protection, rule of law, and a stable political system,” she said.

“These collaborations deliver enormous value back to the United States through cost efficiencies, innovation, and globally successful stories that strengthen both our creative industries.”

Her comments come as the federal government and the local industry assess the potential impact of the U.S. policy on joint productions and future investment.

Australia Pledges to Defend Screen Industry

Soon after Trump’s announcement, Arts Minister Tony Burke said Australia would “stand up unequivocally” for its screen industry if U.S. trade measures hurt local productions.

“In conjunction with Screen Australia, we’ll continue to monitor the situation in the U.S. and any impacts it might have for us in Australia,” Burke told NewsWire.

“Nobody should be under any doubt that we will be standing up unequivocally for the rights of the Australian screen industry.”

Trump, who first floated the idea in May, confirmed the plan last week in a post on Truth Social, accusing other countries—including Australia—of “stealing” Hollywood’s business.

“Our movie-making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other countries, just like stealing candy from a baby,” Trump wrote. “California, with its weak and incompetent governor, has been particularly hard hit! Therefore, in order to solve this long-time, never-ending problem, I will be imposing a 100 percent tariff on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States.”

Industry Fears Broader Fallout

Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner said the U.S. president’s statement had created uncertainty across the industry, which relies on cross-border collaboration and tax incentives to manage production costs.

“Fundamental issues remain unresolved as to what in practice this means and how this can be applied,” Deaner said. “While Australia isn’t as exposed as some other countries, it’s vital we diversify our industry through a broader range of international partnerships and expanded co-production arrangements.”

He added that reinforcing local content quotas and maintaining support for public broadcasters and Screen Australia would be key to weathering future trade turbulence.

“Local content rules for streaming platforms, strengthened funding for the ABC, SBS, and Screen Australia, and reforms to our tax offset system are essential to ensure Australian stories continue to thrive, regardless of international trade turbulence,” Deaner said.

Despite the tensions, Palmerlee said the film industry’s collaborative spirit would endure. “The shared history of creativity between our two nations runs deep,” she said. “This moment calls for calm, clarity, and continued cooperation—not division.”