MEP Maria Walsh warns Donald Trump's proposed film tariffs could place thousands of Irish jobs at risk
The US President has threatened to impose 100pc tariffs on films made outside of America, saying on his Truth Social platform that he has told government departments to apply the tariffs on any films coming from 'foreign lands'.
So far, there has been no indication of how the tariffs would be imposed by the US government, with MEP for Midlands North West Maria Walsh saying that the threat of such tariffs brings huge uncertainty for Ireland's film industry.
Speaking in Brussels, the Fine Gael MEP warned that any potential tariffs threaten the existence of Ireland's film sector and place thousands of Irish jobs at risk.
'The audio visual industry is worth over €1 billion to Ireland's economy, from actor Rob Lowe to Variety magazine, the world recognises our island as a global production powerhouse,' she said.
"Trump's latest threat to slap a 100% tariff on foreign movies could wipe out our film industry in an instant. Over 16,000 jobs, many in rural Ireland, hang in the balance. A far cry from Hollywood's drama, the livelihoods of many of my constituents are in doubt as we sit here and debate this morning.'
She said that, while the concept of the tariffs seems untenable, work still needs to be done to clarify the US position regarding the issue and bring clarity to the film industry in Ireland.
'Unsurprisingly this latest policy seems unworkable, given the international and entwined web of investors, labour and revenue. How can one even define a foreign film in this day and age?
'As time has taught us there is always scope for a rollback from the Trump administration. However, while we may hope for such courage, we cannot be complacent and naïve
'I am calling on the commission and our member states to act with urgency and seek the answers from the US on the policy over the coming days and weeks.'
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