Washington, DC – Former US President Donald Trump confirmed a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United StatesThis includes Japanese animation. He made the announcement on Truth Social, claiming that other countries are pulling film production away from the United States and bringing in content with foreign agendas.
He directed the Department of Commerce and the US Trade Representative to begin imposing this tax on every film produced abroad, writing: “We want to make movies in America again.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed the message with a brief online post: “We’re working on it.”
This new policy means just that Foreign films, including animation, can cost twice as much as they would in American theaters. But it is still unclear how this will work. Unlike physical imports, films are usually licensed as intellectual property. The government has not made clear whether the fees will be added when studios buy the rights, collect ticket revenue, or through another method.
Studios and distributors are reacting with concern
Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on all foreign films may affect the US release of future animated films such as Demon Slayer, Studio Ghibli and many more pic.twitter.com/Ymt3AraqJO
– Anime Updates (@animeupdates__) May 5, 2025
Ad caught Hollywood and anime distributors are caught off guard. Many are now trying to figure out how to apply this. No timeline or instructions have been shared, and there remains uncertainty as to whether the rule will also apply to streaming platforms.
Studios are confused. Variety reported that several major companies held meetings immediately after the news to discuss what might happen. The Motion Picture Association, which represents major movie studios, has not issued any official statements.
Distributors such as Crunchyroll and G Kidswhich handles most anime releases in the United States, hasn’t said anything yet either. But apparently this new rule may make anime releases too expensive for some companies to handle, especially small ones.
There is growing concern that this will lead to… High ticket prices Or fewer foreign films being shown in theaters. If the added cost is included in the licensing fee, companies may raise prices to compensate for this. If applied to ticket revenue, movie theaters might avoid showing these films entirely.
Some in the industry also believe the plan could work against its goal. Indian director Shekhar Kapoor pointed out that American studios make much of their money abroad. If other countries respond with their own restrictions, American films may lose access to major international markets.
Anime films are directly affected
This policy could affect anime films more. Since most anime films are produced entirely in Japan, they clearly meet the standards set by Trump’s statement on foreign productions.
If American companies want it Crunchyroll Forced to pay double the usual cost to show these films in local theaters, they may either raise ticket prices or reduce the number of releases. If the fee were collected on profits, a large share of American ticket money would go directly to the government.
This would make it more expensive for fans to watch their favorite anime in theaters. A movie that would have cost $15 per ticket before may end up costing $25 or more.
So far, the anime has done well in American cinemas. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Brought more $500 million worldwidewith approx $50 million from the American public. Distributors like Funimation, GKIDS, and Crunchyroll have been steadily increasing their presence in theaters each year.
But this new tariff could slow that progress. One editor from Polygon noted that this rule may apply to almost all anime. Films with smaller budgets or less appeal may be pulled from US release plans entirely.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc may be in danger
The upcoming Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc could be one of the first major anime releases affected by this new rule. The film is the beginning of a planned trilogy which will conclude the film Demon Slayer Anime. It is scheduled for 2025with Sony pictures and Crunchyroll Manage its release in most countries outside Asia.
Fans had already seen early trailers and were anticipating a big theatrical release. Some people in the industry have even said that this film may match or beat its box office numbers Mugen train.
But now, there’s a real chance the film’s US release will be delayed, restricted in scope, or made more expensive. If Crunchyroll and Sony have to pay more money to bring the movie, that extra cost could fall on viewers. The price of a regular ticket can be much higher to make up the difference.
In a worst-case scenario, the film might skip U.S. theaters entirely and be released directly on streaming platforms or home media. It will come as a disappointment to fans who were hoping to see him on the big screen.
Sony recently acquired it Alamo Drafthousea theatrical chain known for supporting anime and independent films. This move was supposed to enhance anime’s access to American cinemas, but this tariff may complicate these plans.
Source: Social Truth
