For the fifth consecutive year, EIBF has published its International Bookselling Markets Report, providing a comprehensive overview of trends and developments across international bookselling markets.
Combining quantitative markets data with qualitative insights gathered from booksellers’ associations and industry stakeholders, the report offers a unique insight into 20 national markets. It serves as an important tool for understanding the state of the sector, informing EIBF’s strategic work, and monitoring policy developments that affect booksellers.
A challenging year for book sales
The report shows that global book sales experienced a slight decline in 2024 compared to the previous year, with only six of the 22 analysed markets recording growth.
However, the picture varies significantly by region: while many European markets remained stable, others, such as India, saw strong growth, highlighting the different dynamics shaping bookselling around the world.
Digital reading continues to grow
Digital formats remain one of the most significant trends identified in the report. E-books and audiobooks increased their share of sales in more than half of the surveyed markets, reflecting their growing place in readers’ habits.
In France, digital book sales rose from €126 million to €131 million in 2024, while Sweden’s mature digital market continued to expand, with digital formats accounting to nearly one-third of total market value. At the same time, adoption rates differ considerably between countries, with digital books representing only a small share of sales in some markets, such as Romania.
Audiobooks in particular continue to gain momentum, supported by the increasing importance of streaming platforms.
Booksellers under economic and political pressure
Beyond market performance, the report explores the wider challenges facing booksellers. Economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and ongoing geopolitical tensions have created additional pressure for businesses across many markets.
The report also notes that booksellers are increasingly challenges linked to their broader cultural role. As facilitators of access to diverse ideas and literature, they can become targets of political pressure from both public institutions and parts of civil society.
A valuable resource for the market
By combining market statistics with on-the-ground perspectives from booksellers, the International Bookselling Markets Report provides a nuanced view of a sector undergoing significant change. The findings underline both the resilience of booksellers and the importance of understanding local realities within an increasingly interconnected global market.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| International Bookselling Report.pdf | 6.39 MB |