Hub Podcasts
Trump's movie madness
May 6, 2025
Joseph Steinberg, an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Toronto, dives into President Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films and their implications for Canada's film industry. He discusses how government subsidies have spurred Canada's production boom and the economic rationale behind them. Steinberg also explores the disruptive effects of movie productions on local communities and critiques the potential downsides of reducing these subsidies, highlighting the complexities of trade negotiations with the U.S.
14:49
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Quick takeaways
- Implementing a 100% tariff on foreign movies could reshape international film production dynamics and boost U.S. economic activity.
- Canada's film industry thrives on government subsidies, fostering competition among provinces while raising concerns about market inefficiencies.
Deep dives
Impact of Tariffs on the Movie Industry
Implementing a 100% tariff on movies made outside the United States could significantly affect international film production dynamics. The primary goal of such a tariff would be to encourage U.S. production companies to bring their film projects back to the country, thus boosting domestic economic activity. However, the feasibility of enforcing such tariffs raises numerous questions about economic implications and the potential effectiveness of such a strategy. This move reflects a broader tendency to promote local industries through protectionist measures, mirroring similar actions taken in other sectors like steel and automobiles.
