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Trump tariffs: China to cut number of US films screened as Hollywood becomes a target

The China Film Administration said the ‘excessive’ levies were likely to reduce favourable views of American movies in the country

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China is the world’s second biggest movie market. Photo: AP
Alyssa Chenin Hong KongandOrange Wangin Beijing
China is planning to reduce the number of US films shown in the country, as part of its retaliation against US President Donald Trump’s heavy tariffs on the country, the China Film Administration said on Thursday.

“The US government’s erroneous practice of imposing excessive tariffs on China is likely to further diminish the Chinese audience’s favourable perception of American films,” the administration said.

“We will adhere to market principles, respect audience choices and moderately reduce the import volume of American films.”

The measure could be a huge financial setback to Hollywood studios.

On Wednesday, US tariffs on imports from China were raised to 125 per cent bringing the effective tariff rate to about 136 per cent.

Although Trump placed a 90-day pause on his tariffs on most other countries he has not done so for China, prompting criticism from Beijing for his “bullying”.

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