Washington [US], September 29 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Monday announced a sweeping new policy imposing a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States, citing what he called the theft of America’s film industry by foreign competitors.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Our movie-making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing ‘candy from a baby.’ California, with its weak and incompetent Governor, has been particularly hard hit!”
He added, “Therefore, in order to solve this long-time, never-ending problem, I will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
This announcement follows Trump’s earlier statement on September 26 that his administration will impose a 100% tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical products beginning October 1, 2025, unless those manufacturing companies establish production facilities in the US.
India is one of the world’s largest suppliers of pharmaceuticals, providing over 50% of global vaccine demand, 40% of generic medicines for the US, and 25% of medicines in the UK. In fiscal year 2025, India’s pharmaceutical exports hit a record USD 30 billion, a 31% year-on-year increase in March alone.
From August 2024 to August 2025, drug and pharmaceutical exports rose by 6.94%, from USD 2.35 billion to USD 2.51 billion. In FY24, India exported USD 27.9 billion worth of pharmaceuticals, with 31% (about USD 8.7 billion) destined for the US, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil).
Leading Indian pharmaceutical companies such as Dr. Reddy’s, Aurobindo Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, Sun Pharma, and Gland Pharma derive 30–50% of revenues from the US market. India’s pharmaceutical industry ranks third globally by volume and 14th by production value, with projections to grow to USD 130 billion by 2030 and USD 450 billion by 2047.
The Indian government supports the sector through initiatives such as the PLI scheme (₹15,000 crore) and the Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) scheme (₹500 crore), enabling R&D, advanced drug manufacturing, and improved competitiveness.
Trump’s new tariffs extend beyond films and pharmaceuticals, encompassing other sectors. He announced:
50% tariff on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products starting October 1, 2025.
30% tariff on upholstered furniture.
Trump clarified that pharmaceutical products from companies already building manufacturing plants in the US will be exempt from the tariff.
The new measures are expected to trigger significant shifts in trade relations, especially impacting major exporters such as India, which is a critical supplier in pharmaceuticals. The move is also likely to provoke debates about the effects of such protectionist policies on global supply chains and consumer prices.
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