Hollywood’s leading LED lighting company, Nila, is bracing for uncertainty as US President Trump’s new trade policies take effect. The company designed lights for high-profile clients such as the James Bond movie “Quantum of Solace” and has illuminated the press briefing room at Camp David.
President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods, including LEDs, circuit boards, and metal housing, have raised concerns among small businesses like Nila. CEO Jim Sanfilippo says uncertainty over the permanent nature of the tariffs is making it impossible to plan and has caused customers to wait for orders.
The 145% tariff on Chinese goods has resulted in chaos created by uncertainty, according to Sanfilippo. The company’s lights are used not only in Hollywood but also in news vans and high-speed photographers’ equipment. Sanfilippo is now preparing to diversify his client base and shipping products directly from China to international clients.
US Representative Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) has expressed concerns over the potential economic downturn for small businesses, citing the impact of tariffs on imports from every country. Canada and China have retaliated with their own tariffs on American goods, putting California businesses at risk.
Sanfilippo is exploring ways to adapt to the new trade policies, including building a consulting business to help American companies reduce energy use. However, he acknowledges that it will be challenging to maintain prices without incurring significant costs due to domestic manufacturing.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-04-26/chaos-created-by-uncertainty-tariffs-pasadena-lighting-company-congress-hollywood