Presentation "European Book Market Statistics 2024-25" at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025

The Federation of European Publishers (FEP) presented the European Book Market Statistics 2024–25 on 15 October during the Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse), one of the most important global gatherings for the publishing industry.

First launched at the Fair in 2022, the annual FEP book market presentation has quickly become one of the highlights at the Fair for publishing professionals, drawing growing international attention from the book sector and beyond.

The European book market statistics have been presented by FEP Deputy Director Enrico Turrin, with introductory remarks by FEP Vice-President Phaedon Kidoniatis. Over 200 people have attended the event.

Key Highlights from the 2024-25 European Book Market Statistics

• Turnover: The European book market reached its highest-ever nominal turnover in 2024 at €24.9 billion, surpassing the previous 2007 peak. However, inflation-adjusted figures tell a different story, with real turnover down to €15.5 billion, compared to €22.2 billion in 2007.
• Price and inflation gap: Book prices have risen only 38.3% over the past 20 years, far below general inflation (64.1%), putting sustained pressure on publisher margins.
• Turnover by format: Print books still dominate (82.9% of total turnover), but audiobooks are the fastest-growing segment, reaching 4.2% of sales in 2024.
• Turnover by distribution channel: Physical bookstores account for 48.2% of turnover; online book sales decreased to 23.5%.
• Turnover by destination: Book exports increased to 20.3%, though still below pre-2015 levels.

The FEP report on the European book market also highlighted a worrying trend in reading engagement:

• 47.2% of Europeans aged 16 and over are non-readers (source: Eurostat).
• The main reason is lack of interest, not affordability.

Where to find the presentation of the European Book Market Statistics 2024-25

The full presentation is available in PDF format below. The recording of the session is available on the Frankfurter Buchmesse media library.

For further information, contact eturrin(a)fep-fee.eu.