President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to impose tariffs on films produced abroad has elicited a measured but supportive response from Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator.
In a statement Monday, Crabtree-Ireland emphasized the union’s commitment to boosting domestic production and fostering “good middle-class jobs for American workers.”
Industry Context: Runaway Production and Political Pressure
Over the past decade, studios have increasingly filmed in Canada, Europe, and Australia to capitalize on favorable exchange rates and tax rebates.
According to ProdPro data, U.S. on-location spending dropped 26 percent between 2022 and 2024. As content budgets tightened, unionized crew jobs and on-set opportunities migrated overseas—sparking anxiety among performers and technicians alike.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland
Against this backdrop, President Trump’s call on Truth Social for a 100 percent tariff on movies produced in “foreign lands” hit Hollywood with little warning.
The administration later clarified that no final decision on the measure has been made. Nevertheless, Crabtree-Ireland’s statement signals SAG-AFTRA’s willingness to explore policy solutions alongside studios, streamers, and lawmakers.
Crabtree-Ireland’s Statement: Support Coupled with Caution
Crabtree-Ireland framed the union’s position in broadly positive terms:
“SAG-AFTRA supports efforts to increase movie, television and streaming production in the United States,” he said.
“We will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen our competitive position, accelerate economic growth and create good middle-class jobs for American workers.”
“We look forward to learning specifics of the plan and to advancing a dialogue to achieve our common goals.”
His endorsement stops short of an outright endorsement of blanket tariffs.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland
Instead, it underscores SAG-AFTRA’s longstanding agenda: secure federal incentives that complement existing state credits and private-sector investments.
Bipartisan Momentum for Federal Tax Credits
Even before the tariff debate erupted, several labor groups and lawmakers had urged Congress to enact a federal film tax credit. California Senator Adam Schiff, for example, reiterated Monday that he supports a major federal incentive while cautioning against sweeping duties:
“While blanket tariffs on all films would have unintended and potentially damaging impacts, we have an opportunity to pass a globally competitive federal film incentive to bring back runaway production.”
Republican senators such as Marsha Blackburn have similarly endorsed tax measures tied to domestic labor use and on-set safety compliance. SAG-AFTRA’s advocacy dovetails with these proposals, lobbying for refundable labor rebates that stack on top of generous state programs in Georgia, New Mexico, and elsewhere.
Unions Weigh In: Teamsters and IATSE Responses
Other industry unions have issued statements over the past 48 hours:
- IATSE International President Matthew Loeb called for a “balanced federal response,” warning that tariff missteps could harm Canadian crew members and the broader entertainment supply chain.
- Teamsters President Sean O’Brien applauded any measure that might return shoots stateside, though he stressed the need for targeted incentives rather than blanket penalties.
Crabtree-Ireland’s measured tone reflects SAG-AFTRA’s dual priorities: protect members’ bargaining power on high-budget features while preserving jobs in foreign jurisdictions that have long been integral to global production workflows.
What’s Next? A Dialogue in Motion
SAG-AFTRA intends to engage the White House, Congress, and the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) to flesh out workable policies. Key questions include:
- Credit Size and Structure: What percentage rebate and annual cap will deliver material relocation without overwhelming the federal budget?
- Tariff Scope: If duties remain on the table, how narrowly can they target “credit flight” without chilling co-productions or triggering WTO disputes?
- Audit and Compliance: Which agency enforces origin rules for digital assets, and how will streaming platforms factor into the equation?
Crabtree-Ireland’s office has scheduled meetings this week with Treasury and Commerce Department officials to explore legislative language. SAG-AFTRA also plans to coordinate with rank-and-file members in upcoming town halls, ensuring performers’ voices shape any final proposal.
Conclusion: From Reaction to Proaction
By stepping forward first among Hollywood’s institutional leaders, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has signaled that SAG-AFTRA is ready not just to react to unilateral tariff threats but to help craft a sustainable policy framework.
As federal and state lawmakers draft bills in the coming months, the union hopes to secure incentives that shore up American studios, preserve union-scale wages, and keep the U.S. at the center of global content creation.
