Chinese authorities just did Americans a favor by reportedly considering a ban on U.S. films.
Officials in China, the second-largest film market worldwide, are contemplating “reducing or banning the import of U.S. films” as well as increasing tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and U.S. services, according to Bloomberg News. Two prominent blogs, one of them run by Senior Editor Liu Hong of the state-controlled Xinhua News Agency, posted identical sets of potential measure online, the outlet first reported.
If such a threat materializes, it could very well point American film production back in the right direction — toward making quality movies with American values for American viewers.
TOPSHOT – US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled “Make America Wealthy Again” at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. Trump geared up to unveil sweeping new “Liberation Day” tariffs in a move that threatens to ignite a devastating global trade war. Key US trading partners including the European Union and Britain said they were preparing their responses to Trump’s escalation, as nervous markets fell in Europe and America. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
If China sees this through, this may force the film industry to stop creating the garbage they’re designing for the Chinese market.
The U.S. film industry can pivot back to producing plot lines and gripping entertainment designed for the American people if they’re free from the clutches of the Chinese box office numbers. The basis of all film production would inevitably shift toward meeting the demands of American viewers, which would fundamentally change the quality and overall content that is generated.
Recent box office records easily put matters in perspective.
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 02: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a “Make America Wealthy Again” trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. Touting the event as “Liberation Day”, Trump is expected to announce additional tariffs targeting goods imported to the U.S. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. and Legendary’s “A Minecraft Movie” kicked off in China in first place last weekend with $14.5 million in ticket sales, representing over 10 percent of its $144 international earnings. The biggest U.S. movie release in China for 2024 was Warner Bros. and Legendary’s “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” with an astounding $132 million box office total. The numbers demonstrate the pressure on studios to produce and design films that are geared toward the Chinese market rather than our own.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 26: The Hollywood Sign is seen following its repainting ahead of its 100th Anniversary on October 26, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images for The Hollywood Sign Trust)
Cutting the entertainment umbilical cord between China and the U.S. would breathe life back into traditional American filmmaking, putting more dollars into our own economy — and keeping it there. (RELATED: Donald Trump Restores Mel Gibson’s Gun Rights)
While Chinese authorities mull over their response to Trump’s 54 percent tariffs on all Chinese goods, Americans are gearing up for what may prove a very welcome change and refreshingly defining moment in the American entertainment industry.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
