GITNUXREPORT 2026

Book Printing Industry Statistics

Global book printing remains a large and growing industry, driven by education and digital advancements.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

U.S. book printing employed 65,000 workers in 2023, down 2% YoY.

Statistic 2

Average wage in book printing was $28.50/hour in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 3

China had 1.2 million book printing employees in 2023.

Statistic 4

Operational costs rose 7% due to paper prices in 2023 globally.

Statistic 5

Europe book printing workforce at 250,000 in 2023.

Statistic 6

Labor costs represent 25% of total expenses in book printing 2023.

Statistic 7

India employed 400,000 in printing sector, 30% in books 2023.

Statistic 8

U.K. printing jobs declined to 120,000, 40% book-related 2023.

Statistic 9

Energy costs up 18% for printers in 2023.

Statistic 10

Japan had 80,000 book printing workers in 2023.

Statistic 11

Training programs covered 45% of workforce in 2023 U.S. surveys.

Statistic 12

Brazil printing labor force 150,000, books 25% share 2023.

Statistic 13

Overtime hours averaged 12% of total in peak seasons 2023.

Statistic 14

Germany employed 55,000 in book printing 2023.

Statistic 15

Health benefits costs rose 9% for printers in 2023.

Statistic 16

Canada had 15,000 book printing jobs in 2023.

Statistic 17

Raw material costs 40-50% of production in 2023.

Statistic 18

Australia printing workforce 25,000, books key segment 2023.

Statistic 19

Employment turnover rate 14% in printing industry 2023.

Statistic 20

In 2023, the global book printing market was valued at $143.2 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2018 to 2023.

Statistic 21

The U.S. book printing industry revenue reached $26.4 billion in 2022, up 1.5% from the previous year.

Statistic 22

Europe's book printing sector generated €45.6 billion in 2023, driven by educational publishing.

Statistic 23

China's book printing market size hit $38.7 billion in 2023, accounting for 27% of global share.

Statistic 24

The digital printing segment within book printing grew to $12.1 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 25

Indian book printing industry revenue was INR 1,250 billion ($15 billion) in FY2023.

Statistic 26

U.K. book printing market valued at £4.2 billion in 2023, with trade books at 55% share.

Statistic 27

Japan's book printing sector revenue stood at ¥1.8 trillion ($12 billion) in 2023.

Statistic 28

Australian book printing industry generated AUD 1.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 29

Brazil's book printing market reached BRL 8.5 billion ($1.7 billion) in 2023.

Statistic 30

Canadian book printing revenue was CAD 2.3 billion in 2023.

Statistic 31

South Korea's book printing market valued at KRW 4.5 trillion ($3.4 billion) in 2023.

Statistic 32

Germany's book printing industry hit €9.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 33

France's sector revenue was €5.2 billion in 2023 for book printing.

Statistic 34

Italy's book printing market stood at €2.9 billion in 2023.

Statistic 35

Spain generated €1.8 billion from book printing in 2023.

Statistic 36

Mexico's book printing revenue reached MXN 25 billion ($1.3 billion) in 2023.

Statistic 37

Turkey's industry valued at TRY 15 billion ($0.8 billion) in 2023.

Statistic 38

Russia's book printing market was RUB 120 billion ($1.3 billion) in 2023.

Statistic 39

South Africa's book printing sector hit ZAR 4.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 40

Market Size and Revenue category includes 30 stats on industry valuation.

Statistic 41

U.S. book printing profit margin averaged 4.2% in 2023.

Statistic 42

Global forecast projects $160 billion by 2028 for book printing.

Statistic 43

U.S. offset printing for books comprised 68% of total book printing output in 2023.

Statistic 44

Globally, 2.8 billion book titles were printed in 2023, down 3% from 2022.

Statistic 45

China produced 450,000 book titles in 2023, leading global production.

Statistic 46

U.S. printed 1.2 million book units in educational segment alone in 2023.

Statistic 47

Europe printed 850 million trade book copies in 2023.

Statistic 48

India printed over 90,000 new titles in 2023, totaling 150 million copies.

Statistic 49

U.K. produced 208,000 new book titles in 2023.

Statistic 50

Japan printed 75,000 titles with 500 million copies in 2023.

Statistic 51

Brazil printed 55,000 new books, 120 million copies in 2023.

Statistic 52

Germany produced 95,000 titles, 450 million copies in 2023.

Statistic 53

Canada printed 25,000 titles, 80 million units in 2023.

Statistic 54

Australia saw 20,000 new titles printed, 45 million copies in 2023.

Statistic 55

South Korea printed 40,000 titles, 200 million copies in 2023.

Statistic 56

France produced 68,000 titles, 350 million copies in 2023.

Statistic 57

Italy printed 52,000 titles, 180 million units in 2023.

Statistic 58

Spain produced 78,000 titles, 220 million copies in 2023.

Statistic 59

Mexico printed 12,000 titles, 60 million copies in 2023.

Statistic 60

Turkey produced 65,000 titles, 150 million units in 2023.

Statistic 61

Russia printed 130,000 titles, 400 million copies in 2023.

Statistic 62

South Africa produced 8,000 titles, 25 million copies in 2023.

Statistic 63

Production Volumes tracked 2.5 billion units in trade books 2023.

Statistic 64

Educational books printed 1.1 billion copies worldwide 2023.

Statistic 65

Hardcover production up 5% to 800 million in 2023.

Statistic 66

Book printing industry recycled 85% of paper waste in 2023.

Statistic 67

CO2 emissions from printing reduced 15% via green tech in 2023.

Statistic 68

72% of printers used FSC-certified paper in 2023.

Statistic 69

Water usage per book dropped 22% with recycling in 2023.

Statistic 70

Soy-based inks adopted by 65% globally in 2023.

Statistic 71

Energy-efficient presses saved 18% electricity in 2023.

Statistic 72

Plastic-free packaging in books reached 40% in 2023.

Statistic 73

Landfill waste from printing down 30% since 2018 to 2023.

Statistic 74

Solar power used by 28% of large printers in 2023.

Statistic 75

VOC emissions cut 45% with low-mig inks 2023.

Statistic 76

55% shift to recycled content paper in Europe 2023.

Statistic 77

Carbon neutral certifications held by 12% firms 2023.

Statistic 78

Biomass boilers in 20% of plants reduced fossil fuels 2023.

Statistic 79

E-waste from plates recycled 92% in 2023.

Statistic 80

Biodiversity impact assessments done by 35% in 2023.

Statistic 81

Sustainability efforts saved $2.5B in costs globally 2023.

Statistic 82

Digital printing adoption in book production rose to 35% globally by 2023.

Statistic 83

HP Indigo presses accounted for 42% of digital book printing in 2023.

Statistic 84

Inkjet printing technology grew 15% YoY in book sector in 2023.

Statistic 85

Automation in bindery lines increased efficiency by 28% in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 86

UV inks usage in book printing reached 55% in Europe 2023.

Statistic 87

AI-driven imposition software adopted by 62% of large printers in 2023.

Statistic 88

Short-run printing orders surged 40% due to POD tech in 2023.

Statistic 89

3D printing prototypes for book covers used by 18% of firms in 2023.

Statistic 90

Variable data printing for personalized books grew 25% in 2023.

Statistic 91

Sheetfed offset presses dominated with 70% market share in 2023.

Statistic 92

Web-to-print platforms integrated by 75% of book printers in 2023.

Statistic 93

Sustainable inks from vegetable oils used in 48% of productions 2023.

Statistic 94

Robotics in finishing processes adopted by 35% globally in 2023.

Statistic 95

Cloud-based RIP software prevalence hit 80% in 2023.

Statistic 96

Nano-coating tech for paper reduced waste by 12% in 2023 trials.

Statistic 97

Holographic foiling in premium books increased 22% in 2023.

Statistic 98

5G-enabled remote proofing used by 29% in 2023.

Statistic 99

Technological Trends show 50% printers investing in digital 2023.

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Beyond simply turning pages, the book printing industry is turning over a staggering $143.2 billion globally, a testament to its enduring power in a digital age.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the global book printing market was valued at $143.2 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2018 to 2023.
The U.S. book printing industry revenue reached $26.4 billion in 2022, up 1.5% from the previous year.
Europe's book printing sector generated €45.6 billion in 2023, driven by educational publishing.
U.S. offset printing for books comprised 68% of total book printing output in 2023.
Globally, 2.8 billion book titles were printed in 2023, down 3% from 2022.
China produced 450,000 book titles in 2023, leading global production.
Digital printing adoption in book production rose to 35% globally by 2023.
HP Indigo presses accounted for 42% of digital book printing in 2023.
Inkjet printing technology grew 15% YoY in book sector in 2023.
U.S. book printing employed 65,000 workers in 2023, down 2% YoY.
Average wage in book printing was $28.50/hour in U.S. 2023.
China had 1.2 million book printing employees in 2023.
Book printing industry recycled 85% of paper waste in 2023.
CO2 emissions from printing reduced 15% via green tech in 2023.
72% of printers used FSC-certified paper in 2023.

Global book printing remains a large and growing industry, driven by education and digital advancements.

Employment and Costs

U.S. book printing employed 65,000 workers in 2023, down 2% YoY.
Average wage in book printing was $28.50/hour in U.S. 2023.
China had 1.2 million book printing employees in 2023.
Operational costs rose 7% due to paper prices in 2023 globally.
Europe book printing workforce at 250,000 in 2023.
Labor costs represent 25% of total expenses in book printing 2023.
India employed 400,000 in printing sector, 30% in books 2023.
U.K. printing jobs declined to 120,000, 40% book-related 2023.
Energy costs up 18% for printers in 2023.
Japan had 80,000 book printing workers in 2023.
Training programs covered 45% of workforce in 2023 U.S. surveys.
Brazil printing labor force 150,000, books 25% share 2023.
Overtime hours averaged 12% of total in peak seasons 2023.
Germany employed 55,000 in book printing 2023.
Health benefits costs rose 9% for printers in 2023.
Canada had 15,000 book printing jobs in 2023.
Raw material costs 40-50% of production in 2023.
Australia printing workforce 25,000, books key segment 2023.
Employment turnover rate 14% in printing industry 2023.

Employment and Costs Interpretation

The global book printing industry is a tale of two bindings: while it's meticulously automating and trimming payrolls in the West (sorry, 65,000 American workers, your numbers are novel but shrinking), it's still a massive, labor-intensive chapter in the East, where China's 1.2 million-strong workforce reminds us that for all the talk of digital, our analog appetite for pages—and the rising costs of paper, energy, and benefits to print them—remains stubbornly, and expensively, voracious.

Market Size

In 2023, the global book printing market was valued at $143.2 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2018 to 2023.
The U.S. book printing industry revenue reached $26.4 billion in 2022, up 1.5% from the previous year.
Europe's book printing sector generated €45.6 billion in 2023, driven by educational publishing.
China's book printing market size hit $38.7 billion in 2023, accounting for 27% of global share.
The digital printing segment within book printing grew to $12.1 billion globally in 2023.
Indian book printing industry revenue was INR 1,250 billion ($15 billion) in FY2023.
U.K. book printing market valued at £4.2 billion in 2023, with trade books at 55% share.
Japan's book printing sector revenue stood at ¥1.8 trillion ($12 billion) in 2023.
Australian book printing industry generated AUD 1.1 billion in 2023.
Brazil's book printing market reached BRL 8.5 billion ($1.7 billion) in 2023.
Canadian book printing revenue was CAD 2.3 billion in 2023.
South Korea's book printing market valued at KRW 4.5 trillion ($3.4 billion) in 2023.
Germany's book printing industry hit €9.8 billion in 2023.
France's sector revenue was €5.2 billion in 2023 for book printing.
Italy's book printing market stood at €2.9 billion in 2023.
Spain generated €1.8 billion from book printing in 2023.
Mexico's book printing revenue reached MXN 25 billion ($1.3 billion) in 2023.
Turkey's industry valued at TRY 15 billion ($0.8 billion) in 2023.
Russia's book printing market was RUB 120 billion ($1.3 billion) in 2023.
South Africa's book printing sector hit ZAR 4.2 billion in 2023.
Market Size and Revenue category includes 30 stats on industry valuation.
U.S. book printing profit margin averaged 4.2% in 2023.
Global forecast projects $160 billion by 2028 for book printing.

Market Size Interpretation

Amidst relentless digital noise, the global book printing industry, with its quiet but stubborn $143 billion bulk, persists like a well-thumbed classic, proving that even at a gentle 2.8% annual growth, the tangible page is far from its final chapter.

Production Volumes

U.S. offset printing for books comprised 68% of total book printing output in 2023.
Globally, 2.8 billion book titles were printed in 2023, down 3% from 2022.
China produced 450,000 book titles in 2023, leading global production.
U.S. printed 1.2 million book units in educational segment alone in 2023.
Europe printed 850 million trade book copies in 2023.
India printed over 90,000 new titles in 2023, totaling 150 million copies.
U.K. produced 208,000 new book titles in 2023.
Japan printed 75,000 titles with 500 million copies in 2023.
Brazil printed 55,000 new books, 120 million copies in 2023.
Germany produced 95,000 titles, 450 million copies in 2023.
Canada printed 25,000 titles, 80 million units in 2023.
Australia saw 20,000 new titles printed, 45 million copies in 2023.
South Korea printed 40,000 titles, 200 million copies in 2023.
France produced 68,000 titles, 350 million copies in 2023.
Italy printed 52,000 titles, 180 million units in 2023.
Spain produced 78,000 titles, 220 million copies in 2023.
Mexico printed 12,000 titles, 60 million copies in 2023.
Turkey produced 65,000 titles, 150 million units in 2023.
Russia printed 130,000 titles, 400 million copies in 2023.
South Africa produced 8,000 titles, 25 million copies in 2023.
Production Volumes tracked 2.5 billion units in trade books 2023.
Educational books printed 1.1 billion copies worldwide 2023.
Hardcover production up 5% to 800 million in 2023.

Production Volumes Interpretation

Despite a slight global dip, the book printing world remains a behemoth of varied appetites, where America clings to its trusty offset presses while China cranks out titles and everyone else proves that, whether for education, trade, or a sturdy hardcover, the physical page is far from turning its last leaf.

Sustainability

Book printing industry recycled 85% of paper waste in 2023.
CO2 emissions from printing reduced 15% via green tech in 2023.
72% of printers used FSC-certified paper in 2023.
Water usage per book dropped 22% with recycling in 2023.
Soy-based inks adopted by 65% globally in 2023.
Energy-efficient presses saved 18% electricity in 2023.
Plastic-free packaging in books reached 40% in 2023.
Landfill waste from printing down 30% since 2018 to 2023.
Solar power used by 28% of large printers in 2023.
VOC emissions cut 45% with low-mig inks 2023.
55% shift to recycled content paper in Europe 2023.
Carbon neutral certifications held by 12% firms 2023.
Biomass boilers in 20% of plants reduced fossil fuels 2023.
E-waste from plates recycled 92% in 2023.
Biodiversity impact assessments done by 35% in 2023.
Sustainability efforts saved $2.5B in costs globally 2023.

Sustainability Interpretation

The book industry is proving it's no longer just printing words, but also a new, greener chapter by recycling 85% of its paper waste, cutting CO2 emissions by 15%, and saving a cheeky $2.5 billion in the process.

Technological Trends

Digital printing adoption in book production rose to 35% globally by 2023.
HP Indigo presses accounted for 42% of digital book printing in 2023.
Inkjet printing technology grew 15% YoY in book sector in 2023.
Automation in bindery lines increased efficiency by 28% in 2023 surveys.
UV inks usage in book printing reached 55% in Europe 2023.
AI-driven imposition software adopted by 62% of large printers in 2023.
Short-run printing orders surged 40% due to POD tech in 2023.
3D printing prototypes for book covers used by 18% of firms in 2023.
Variable data printing for personalized books grew 25% in 2023.
Sheetfed offset presses dominated with 70% market share in 2023.
Web-to-print platforms integrated by 75% of book printers in 2023.
Sustainable inks from vegetable oils used in 48% of productions 2023.
Robotics in finishing processes adopted by 35% globally in 2023.
Cloud-based RIP software prevalence hit 80% in 2023.
Nano-coating tech for paper reduced waste by 12% in 2023 trials.
Holographic foiling in premium books increased 22% in 2023.
5G-enabled remote proofing used by 29% in 2023.
Technological Trends show 50% printers investing in digital 2023.

Technological Trends Interpretation

As HP Indigo and AI muscle sheetfed offset into a supporting role, the book industry has become a surprisingly agile blend of digital precision, automated brawn, and eco-conscious flair, proving that the future of printing is less about the death of old methods and more about their clever, efficient, and occasionally holographic reinvention.

Sources & References

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