Trump’s Trade War 2.0: Furniture and Films Face 100% Import Tariffs

Trump’s New Tariff Push on Furniture and Films Sparks Economic Debate

Former President Donald Trump has unveiled an aggressive new set of tariffs aimed at two surprising targets: foreign-made furniture and movies. Framed as part of his broader strategy to “revive American greatness,” the measures are already sparking heated debate among economists, industry experts, and global trade partners.

Trump’s announcement revives themes familiar from his first term: protecting American jobs, reducing reliance on foreign imports, and reshaping trade rules that he argues have long disadvantaged the United States. But critics warn that the tariffs could come at a steep cost, raising prices for consumers and triggering retaliation abroad.

Reviving a Lost Industry: Furniture in Focus

Trump’s first salvo came in a statement targeting the furniture industry, once a cornerstone of U.S. manufacturing. He highlighted North Carolina, historically known as the heart of American furniture production, but a state that has seen its industry hollowed out over the past two decades.

Source: X

According to a 2025 report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, North Carolina lost more than half of its furniture jobs between 1999 and 2009, primarily due to rising imports from China. Trump’s rhetoric was pointed:

“To make North Carolina, which has completely lost its furniture business to China and other countries, GREAT again, I will be imposing substantial tariffs on any country that does not make its furniture in the United States.”

The proposal dovetails with Trump’s broader tariff framework. U.S. average tariff rates have already surged from 2.5% to 27% since April 2025—the highest level in more than a century, according to publicly available trade data. Supporters argue this aggressive stance is long overdue, while detractors warn it risks upending global supply chains.

Hollywood in the Crosshairs

In a separate but equally controversial move, Trump announced plans for a 100% tariff on all foreign-made films. He claimed the U.S. movie industry, centered in California, has been “stolen” by foreign competitors.

“Our movie-making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing candy from a baby. I will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any movies made outside of the United States.”

The move comes as Hollywood faces both internal and external pressures. Domestically, studios are grappling with labor disputes, streaming wars, and shifting audience preferences. Internationally, global box offices have become increasingly competitive, with foreign studios rising in prominence. Trump argues tariffs could bring production back home. But analysts caution they may instead squeeze budgets and reduce international collaboration, which has been central to many blockbuster films.

Economic Ripples: Furniture and Film Markets at Risk

For the furniture industry, tariffs may provide some relief to American manufacturers, many of whom have struggled to compete with cheaper imports from Asia. Companies like Norwalk Furniture still manufacture in the U.S., but they operate in a highly competitive market where costs are higher.

While tariffs could level the playing field, they will almost certainly raise consumer prices. “What tariffs give to producers, they take away from buyers,” said Dr. Laura Meyers, an economist at Georgetown University. “Yes, some jobs might come back, but households will pay more for the exact same table or couch.”

The film industry presents an even more complex picture. According to the Australian Institute of International Affairs, U.S. film exports generate nearly $20 billion annually. Analysts estimate Trump’s tariffs could cut that figure by as much as 30%, weakening Hollywood’s long-standing dominance in the global entertainment market.

Complicating matters further, a 2023 University of Southern California study revealed that 65% of U.S. films involve foreign shoots, from scenic European backdrops to lower-cost production in Canada. Trump’s policy could push filmmakers to abandon these international projects, but critics warn the costs of producing entirely within the U.S. could rise by 15–20%, according to a RAND Corporation analysis.

The Political Strategy Behind the Tariffs

For Trump, tariffs are not just an economic tool—they are a political weapon. His strategy resonates with voters in key swing states like North Carolina, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, where manufacturing jobs have long been a campaign issue.

Political analysts note that furniture is a symbolic choice: a once-proud industry decimated by globalization. Similarly, movies are more than an industry; they represent cultural power. By targeting Hollywood, Trump appeals to voters frustrated with what they perceive as a liberal-leaning, elitist industry, while also positioning himself as a defender of American culture.

Criticism and Pushback

Critics across the political and economic spectrum have warned of serious consequences.

• Trade Wars: Countries affected by the tariffs could retaliate, targeting American exports in agriculture, technology, or other vulnerable sectors.

• Job Market Risks: While tariffs may create or protect some jobs, they could also accelerate losses in other sectors as foreign demand for U.S. goods shrinks.

• Consumer Costs: Americans are likely to pay more for both furniture and films. “You’ll see higher ticket prices, fewer choices in theaters, and higher prices at the furniture store,” warned Dr. Meyers.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, typically supportive of free trade, issued a statement cautioning that “tariffs of this scale risk long-term damage to America’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.”

Support from Industry Voices

Not everyone is opposed. Some American furniture makers and trade unions have voiced strong support, seeing the tariffs as a lifeline. “This is the first time in decades our government has stood up for us,” said Mark Richardson, a third-generation furniture maker in Hickory, North Carolina.

Source: X

In Hollywood, reactions are mixed. Smaller studios worry about the financial strain, but some producers argue tariffs could bring jobs back to California. “We’ve lost crews and shoots overseas for years,” said a Los Angeles-based producer. “If tariffs force production back here, it might revive our local industry.”

A Record of Revenue

Trump frequently cites the revenue generated by tariffs as proof of their effectiveness. In 2025, tariffs reportedly generated over $30 billion for the federal government—the highest figure in U.S. trade history. The administration argues this revenue can be reinvested in domestic industries and infrastructure.

Yet economists counter that tariffs are ultimately paid by importers and consumers, not foreign governments. “It’s a hidden tax on Americans,” said Professor Alan Cheng of MIT.

Looking Ahead

The impact of Trump’s tariff plan will depend on how far it goes and how trading partners respond. Negotiations with China, Canada, and the European Union will be critical, as all three are major sources of imported furniture and international film partnerships.

For now, the policy underscores Trump’s willingness to challenge global norms in pursuit of domestic revival. Whether this leads to job growth or higher costs remains uncertain—but the debate over Trump’s tariff strategy is certain to dominate the political and economic landscape in the months ahead.

Writer @Erlin

Erlin is an experienced crypto writer who loves to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and financial markets. She regularly provides insights into the latest trends and innovations in the digital currency space.

 

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