In the wake of President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose tariffs on films produced outside the U.S., IATSE is urging the administration to adopt a balanced federal approach to revitalize American film and television production—one that boosts domestic jobs without harming international partnerships.
“IATSE recommended that the Trump administration implement a federal film production tax incentive and other domestic tax provisions to level the playing field for American workers,” said International President Matthew D. Loeb on Monday. “We await further information on the administration’s proposed tariff plan, but we continue to stand firm in our conviction that any eventual trade policy must do no harm to our Canadian members — nor the industry overall.”
The labor union, which represents tens of thousands of below-the-line workers across the U.S. and Canada, echoed the President’s concerns about the long-term impact of foreign subsidies and tax incentives that have lured productions overseas. In recent years, the union says its members have lost tens of thousands of jobs due to runaway production—resulting in economic hardship for American workers and their communities.
“President Trump has correctly recognized that the American film and television industry faces an urgent threat from international competition,” the union stated. “Films intended for release in the U.S. are increasingly being shot abroad, and American workers are paying the price.”
While supportive of efforts to bolster U.S. production, IATSE also advocates for protections for its Canadian membership and calls for a cooperative policy approach reflecting the cultural and economic ties between the two countries.
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