Berkshire's film industry 'must be protected' against tariffs
US President Trump is looking to hit foreign films with 100% tariffs
Last updated 9th May 2025
An MP is warning Berkshire’s film industry ‘must be protected’ as US President Donald Trump looks to hit foreign films with 100% tariffs.
Trump said in a post on Truth Social that he was authorising the US Department of Commerce and Trade Representative to start the process to impose the levy as America’s movie industry was dying ‘a very fast death’.
It would result in a huge cost increase for production companies who want to sell to the US market.
It comes as many countries including the UK, New Zealand and Australia offer tax breaks to encourage film productions.
Berkshire, dubbed by politicians as the ‘Hollywood of the UK’, is home to Shinfield Studios and Arborfield Film Studios.
Shinfield Studios, which opened in June, has been described as the ‘jewel in the crown of Berkshire’s creative industry’ by Labour MP for Bracknell, Peter Swallow.
But politicians have raised fears over the impact of potential film tariffs imposed by President Trump.
Wokingham’s MP Clive Jones said: “The film industry is a vital part of our community’s culture, and an important part of our local economy.
“Trump’s tariffs now risk wiping out this industry, which would affect many in Wokingham, Berkshire and across the UK.”
His party is pushing the government to launch a ‘Watch British campaign’ to support the British filmmaking industry.