U.S. president Donald Trump has begun implementing what many have described as being sweeping and controversial import tariffs, and with that comes the news that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA)—the organization that prides itself on serving as the voice and advocate for the U.S. video game industry since 1994—is officially one of the groups that are unhappy with them, having shared a statement today about how the proposed tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico, and China will “negatively impact” the gaming industry and how it contributes to both millions of Americans and the U.S. economy.
“Video games are one of the most popular and beloved forms of entertainment for Americans of all ages,” the ESA states before going on to share the belief that “tariffs on video game devices and related products would negatively impact hundreds of millions of Americans and would harm the industry’s significant contributions to the U.S. economy.”
“We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to find ways to sustain the economic growth supported by our sector,” the organization continues in its statement, which is dated January 3.
The @IIPA_1984's 2024 Economic Report shows copyright industries—including video games, film, TV, music, software & more—added $2.09T to the U.S. economy & support 11.6M jobs. With $272.6B in exports, global demand for U.S. content is stronger than ever.https://t.co/qSiwz7ekZR
— Entertainment Software Association (@theESA) February 3, 2025
The statements from the ESA come a couple of days after President Trump signed an order to impose tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, something that the 78-year-old politician, media personality, and businessman reportedly said were necessary in order to “protect Americans.”
“Trump declared an economic emergency in order to place duties of 10% on all imports from China and 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada,” the AP noted in its coverage. “Energy imported from Canada, including oil, natural gas and electricity, would be taxed at a 10% rate.”
“We’ll see how things work out. It might happen with them, but it will definitely happen with the European Union, I can tell you that,” Trump mentioned over the weekend after he was asked by reporters whether Britain might face tariffs next.