Amid rising tensions between the United States and China over trade tariffs, China's National Film Administration has announced a potential reduction in the importation of American films. This decision follows the latest tariffs imposed by the U.S., which officials claim could dampen the domestic enthusiasm for American cinema in China, the world's second-largest film market.
The Administration elaborated on China's commitment to an open market policy while emphasizing the importance of aligning with audience preferences. This could result in a decrease in the number of American films shown in China, as the country seeks to diversify its cinematic offerings with more global selections.
As a result of this announcement, shares of Imax (IMAX, Financial), a prominent player in the film exhibition industry with significant exposure to the Chinese market, fell by 4%, bringing the stock price down to $22.63 during early trading.