The circulation of books and brochures published in Russia decreased by 23% between January and March 2023 to 69 million copies. In this respect writer “Kommersant”, which refers to the data of the Russian Book Chamber (RKP).
The total circulation of books and brochures in the Russian Federation in the first quarter amounted to 69 million copies, which is 23% less than in the first quarter of 2022 (90 million copies). The number of goods belonging to the period decreased by 13% and became 26 thousand. The total circulation of hardcover books and brochures decreased by 31% to 23 million, and the number of books decreased by 12% to 9.5 thousand.
Market experts agree that book circulation has fallen for several years in a row. At the same time, the release itself depends on both the capabilities of the publishers and the demand. But now the situation is developing in such a way that there is neither demand nor opportunity.
Market participants feel that the number of hardcover books has decreased significantly due to higher production costs, as opposed to books on the cover. In addition, the situation was also affected by the reduction of foreign licenses. At the same time, the situation will worsen as piracy develops seriously. At the same time, the authorities could turn the tide with the help of a government project to launch a network of Russian booksellers abroad and create a “unified children’s reading programme.”
June 4, the newspaper “Izvestia” with references to the Russian Book Association (RKS) and publishing houses WroteLast year, the price of books in Russia increased by 15-20%, by the end of this year prices are expected to increase by another 15%.