The UK publishing industry has once again shown its resilience and growth, according to the latest statistics released by the Publishers Association in their 'A Year in Publishing' summary. The industry saw total sales of £6.9 billion in 2022, up 4% from the previous year, and a record-breaking 669 million physical books were sold.
The export market played a significant role in the industry's success, with an 8% increase taking its total to £4.1 billion. Print showed steady growth at 3%, with a total of £3.8 billion, while digital was up 5% to £3.1 billion.
The consumer publishing sector saw a total income of £2.3 billion in 2022, up 2% from the previous year. Fiction was the most significant growth area, increasing by 9% to £797 million, with children's books up by 1% and non-fiction down by 2%. Print remained the most popular format for consumer books, with a total of £1.8 billion, while digital grew by 2% to account for £423 million.
The education publishing sector performed well, with a total income of £634 million, an increase of 16% from the previous year. The export market increased by 26% to £440 million, while print revenue saw a rise of 17%, totaling £539 million. Digital also saw growth of 11%, now accounting for £95 million.
Academic publishing had a total income of £3.5 billion, an increase of 3% from the previous year. Digital was up 5% at £2.6 billion, while print saw a drop of 4% to £977 million. Books were up 5% at £1.2 billion, and journals were up 2% at £2.4 billion.
Dan Conway, Chief Executive of the Publishers Association, praised the industry's resilience and its ability to adapt to the challenges of the past year. He also highlighted the timeless appeal of books, offering comfort and escapism to readers, and providing education and learning opportunities that can last a lifetime.
The rise of trends like #BookTok and 'bookfluencers' is also encouraging more people to read, which Conway believes will be pivotal in ensuring the industry remains buoyant in the coming years.
Overall, the UK publishing industry's continued growth is a testament to its importance and contribution to the wider creative industries and the economy.
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