IATSE Is ‘Engaging’ with Trump Administration After Movie Tariff Announcement

The labor union says any new trade policy can't do harm to its Canadian members, and it calls for a federal film production incentive.

IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees representing Hollywood’s below-the-line workers, said following President Trump‘s announcement of a 100 percent tariff on all movies made in “foreign lands” that it is still open to talking with his administration but wants to make sure any plan “must do no harm.”

Trump earlier on Monday told reporters he hopes to meet with industry leaders and that he wants to help Hollywood, not hurt it. But IATSE expressed concern that any new trade policy doesn’t hurt its Canadian members. It also pointed back to wanting a federal film production tax incentive rather than tariffs, but said it is “engaging” with the administration and will await more details on the proposal.

“The United States needs a balanced federal response to return film and television jobs,” said International President Matthew D. Loeb. “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. 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. We seek reciprocal trade practices that ensure fair competition for all IATSE members.”

IATSE in a longer statement said Trump is on point when it comes to the threat other countries have on attracting film production.

“Foreign governments have successfully lured film and television productions, and the multitude of jobs they create, away from the United States with aggressive tax incentives and subsidies,” the union wrote. “Films intended for initial release in the U.S. are increasingly being shot overseas — and American workers and our economy are paying the price. In just two years, IATSE members have lost tens of thousands of jobs across the United States. That’s thousands of families, small businesses, and communities across the country feeling the economic hardship of a shrinking industry.”

The announcement of the tariffs sent Hollywood reeling and stocks falling in the last 24 hours, but any specific details are still unclear, such as what films would actually be affected or if Trump has the legal authority to impose tariffs on films.

SAG-AFTRA also weighed in on the tariff news, and it too appears opening to listening.

“SAG-AFTRA supports efforts to increase movie, television and streaming production in the United States. We will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen our competitive position, accelerate economic growth and create good middle class jobs for American workers,” SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a statement. “We look forward to learning more about the specifics of the plan announced by the President and to advancing a dialogue to achieve our common goals.”