HOLD THE POPCORN: China considers blocking Hollywood movies in response to Trump’s tariffs

China might hit the pause button on Hollywood movies as part of an expanding trade battle with the United States. 

The move comes after President Donald Trump proposed hiking tariffs on Chinese imports by 50%, a change that could push total US tariffs on Chinese goods above 100%.

But it’s not just about popcorn flicks. 

Chinese officials say banning or slashing US movie imports is one of several ways Beijing could fight back. 

Other options include taxing US farm products like soybeans or cracking down on US companies operating in China. 

If the Hollywood ban happens, it would sting US movie studios hard. 

China’s is the world’s second-largest movie market.

In 2024, US films raked in $585 USD million there, about 3.5% of China’s total $17.71 USD billion box office.  

There is a plot twist as Hollywood’s star power in China is not what it used to be. 

Homegrown Chinese movies now dominate thanks to tighter rules and fierce local competition. 

Still, blockbusters like A Minecraft Movie and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire scored big recently. 

A full ban could force studios to hunt for new fans in other countries to cover the loss of the Chinese market.  

This is not just a spat over movies. 

The US and China have been slapping tariffs on each other’s goods for years, sparking worries about a global economic slowdown. 

Asian stock markets have already sunk as tensions flare between the two superpowers. 

If China pulls the plug on US films, Hollywood would not just bounce back quickly. 

While no decision’s been made yet, the film industry waits to see what happens next. 

Will China press stop on Hollywood?