Beijing [China], April 10 (ANI): In a fresh escalation of the US-China trade war, China’s film regulator announced plans to “moderately reduce” the number of American films imported into the country. The move follows US President Donald Trump’s imposition of a sweeping 125% tariff on all Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate with an 84% tariff on US products.
The Chinese Film Administration cited both market dynamics and shifting audience preferences as reasons behind the decision. However, the timing clearly ties the announcement to rising trade tensions.
“We will follow the law of the market, respect the choice of the audience, and moderately reduce the number of imported US films,” said a spokesperson, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Industry Impact
China remains the world’s second-largest film market, and under previous agreements allowed 34 foreign films to be imported annually under a revenue-sharing model, with studios earning about 25% of ticket sales. Despite ongoing friction, recent approvals—like Disney and Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts’ for an April 30 release—suggest the picture is still evolving.
Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that exhibitors were hopeful about upcoming releases such as Apple’s Brad Pitt-led racing film ‘F1’, but with the latest developments, the fate of those releases is now uncertain.
Ironically, the US maintains a rare trade surplus with China in the film and entertainment sector, given the limited success of Chinese films in Western markets, particularly North America.
Broader Trade Fallout
While Beijing insists it does not seek confrontation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that China “will not flinch” in a trade war. The administration criticized the US measures as “bullying tactics” and announced efforts to build a coalition with the EU and ASEAN to counter American tariffs.
In a recent video call, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic discussed enhancing economic cooperation and responding to what China calls “reciprocal tariffs” that violate WTO rules and destabilize global trade.
Wang condemned the US actions as “unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying,” but added that China is still open to resolving disputes through dialogue—if the US stops acting “wilfully.”
The cinematic fallout marks just one front in an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic standoff with ripple effects likely to impact global markets, supply chains, and the entertainment industry alike.
(ANI)
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