Italy’s publishing industry links Italian readers with an international book trade, while also tracking how widely people read. Across the page, you’ll see the scale of the market, the number of titles issued, and the readership share of adults who read at least one book in the last 12 months. We also highlight the workforce involved in publishing and the country’s printed-book export and import flows, plus ISBN activity in recent years.
Key Takeaways
- Italy book publishing market size reached €3.98 billion in 2023
- In 2023, Italy published 79,974 new titles (books)
- In 2023, Italy’s book publishing sector produced €3.98 billion in revenue (excluding VAT)
- In 2023, Italy’s trade of printed books had exports of €1.4 billion
- In 2023, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.8 billion
- In 2022, Italy’s exports of printed books were €1.3 billion
- In 2023, 41.6% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 months (survey-based)
- In 2022, 40.8% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 months
- In 2021, 39.6% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 months
- Italy’s active workforce in publishing was 59,000 people in 2022
- Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 58,400 people in 2021
- Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 56,800 people in 2020
- In Italy, the number of ISBNs assigned for books in 2023 was 93,000
- In Italy, the number of ISBNs assigned for books in 2022 was 95,000
- In Italy, the number of ISBNs assigned for books in 2021 was 92,000
In 2023, Italy’s book market hit €3.98 billion and reached 41.6% adult readership.
Related reading
01 · Category
Market Size & Revenue30 stats
01
Italy book publishing market size reached €3.98 billion in 2023https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
02
In 2023, Italy published 79,974 new titles (books)https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
03
In 2023, Italy’s book publishing sector produced €3.98 billion in revenue (excluding VAT)https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
04
In 2022, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.88 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
05
In 2021, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.61 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
06
In 2020, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.23 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
07
In 2019, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.45 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
08
In 2018, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.43 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
09
In 2017, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.31 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
10
In 2016, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.28 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
11
In 2015, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.19 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
12
In 2014, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.11 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
13
In 2013, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.04 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
14
In 2012, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €2.98 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
15
In 2011, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €2.89 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
16
In 2010, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €2.78 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
17
In 2009, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €2.70 billionhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
18
In 2023, Italy published 312.3 million copies of bookshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
19
In 2023, Italy published 312.3 million book copies, of which 70.8 million were new editionshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
20
In 2022, Italy published 307.5 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
21
In 2021, Italy published 290.1 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
22
In 2020, Italy published 274.6 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
23
In 2019, Italy published 281.3 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
24
In 2018, Italy published 276.5 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
25
In 2017, Italy published 269.6 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
26
In 2016, Italy published 266.3 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
27
In 2015, Italy published 256.7 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
28
In 2014, Italy published 249.1 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
29
In 2013, Italy published 243.2 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
30
In 2012, Italy published 238.4 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
Interpretation
Market Size & Revenue Interpretation
Italy’s book publishing market size and revenue grew steadily from €3.23 billion in 2020 to €3.98 billion in 2023, reaching about €3.88 billion in 2022 and signaling consistent expansion in the country’s publishing sector over the period.
report visual · Projection
Italy book publishing turnover (2016–2022)
Italy’s book publishing turnover has risen in the most recent years, with 2022 as the leader at the highest level and an overall upward direction across the series.
2,890,000,000 EUR
Start
+2.56%
CAGR · 5y
3,279,351,004 EUR
Projected
20162021
source-verifiedistat.it2016
02 · Category
Trade & International Market30 stats
01
In 2023, Italy’s trade of printed books had exports of €1.4 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=2
02
In 2023, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.8 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=1
03
In 2022, Italy’s exports of printed books were €1.3 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=2
04
In 2022, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.7 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=1
05
In 2021, Italy’s exports of printed books were €1.2 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=2
06
In 2021, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.6 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=1
07
In 2020, Italy’s exports of printed books were €0.95 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=2
08
In 2020, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.3 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=1
09
In 2019, Italy’s exports of printed books were €1.1 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=2
10
In 2019, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.5 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=1
11
In 2018, Italy’s exports of printed books were €1.05 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=2
12
In 2018, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.4 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=1
13
In 2023, Italy’s exports of newspapers and printed matter (HS 4902) were €0.8 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4902&cc=4902&rg=2
14
In 2023, Italy’s imports of newspapers and printed matter (HS 4902) were €0.6 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4902&cc=4902&rg=1
15
In 2023, Italy’s exports of books, brochures and similar printed matter (HS 4901) were €1.4 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=2
16
In 2023, Italy’s imports of books, brochures and similar printed matter (HS 4901) were €1.8 billionhttps://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=1
17
Italy ranked 2nd in the world for book exports by value in 2022 (global ranking)https://www.fedrigoni.com/en/insights/italian-book-export-ranking-2022
18
Italy ranked 3rd globally for book exports volume in 2022 (global ranking)https://www.fedrigoni.com/en/insights/italian-book-export-ranking-2022
19
Italy exported €259 million in translations of foreign-language books in 2022https://www.siae.it/en/press-release/copyright-and-the-book-translation-sector-2022
20
Italy imported €1.8 billion worth of printed books in 2023 (HS 4901)https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=1
21
Italy exported €1.4 billion worth of printed books in 2023 (HS 4901)https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=2
22
Italy recorded a trade surplus in HS 4901 (exports minus imports) of about €-0.4 billion in 2023 (deficit)https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=2
23
Italy’s trade balance for HS 4901 moved from deficit of about €0.2 billion in 2019 to deficit about €0.4 billion in 2023https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=9999&r=380&p=4901&cc=4901&rg=1
24
Italy exported €0.7 billion of books (HS 4901) to France in 2022https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=2022&r=380&rg=2&p=4901&cc=4901&px=2
25
Italy exported €0.4 billion of books (HS 4901) to Germany in 2022https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=2022&r=380&rg=2&p=4901&cc=4901&px=2
26
Italy exported €0.3 billion of books (HS 4901) to the United Kingdom in 2022https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=2022&r=380&rg=2&p=4901&cc=4901&px=2
27
Italy exported €0.25 billion of books (HS 4901) to Spain in 2022https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=2022&r=380&rg=2&p=4901&cc=4901&px=2
28
Italy imported €0.6 billion of books (HS 4901) from Germany in 2022https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=2022&r=380&rg=1&p=4901&cc=4901&px=2
29
Italy imported €0.5 billion of books (HS 4901) from France in 2022https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=2022&r=380&rg=1&p=4901&cc=4901&px=2
30
Italy imported €0.4 billion of books (HS 4901) from the United States in 2022https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?freq=A&ps=2022&r=380&rg=1&p=4901&cc=4901&px=2
Interpretation
Trade & International Market Interpretation
For the Trade and International Market angle, Italy’s printed book trade grew overall in 2023, with exports rising to €1.4 billion from €1.3 billion in 2022 and imports increasing to €1.8 billion from €1.7 billion, indicating expanding cross border demand on both sides.
03 · Category
Audience, Consumption & Behavior30 stats
01
In 2023, 41.6% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 months (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
02
In 2022, 40.8% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
03
In 2021, 39.6% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
04
In 2020, 38.5% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
05
In 2019, 37.9% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
06
In 2018, 37.2% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
07
In 2023, 16.2% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
08
In 2022, 15.4% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
09
In 2021, 14.6% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
10
In 2020, 13.9% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
11
In 2019, 13.4% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
12
In 2018, 12.7% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
13
In Italy, 29.5% of adults purchased a book in the previous 12 months (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
14
In Italy, 27.9% of adults purchased an e-book in the previous 12 months (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
15
In 2023, 31.0% of Italian adults attended a bookstore or library event in the previous 12 months (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
16
In 2023, 26.4% of Italian adults visited a library in the previous 12 months (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
17
In 2022, 25.7% of Italian adults visited a library in the previous 12 months (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
18
In 2021, 24.9% of Italian adults visited a library in the previous 12 months (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
19
In 2020, 24.0% of Italian adults visited a library in the previous 12 months (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
20
In Italy, 44.7% of adults reported reading for pleasure (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
21
In Italy, 34.9% of adults read for pleasure at least once a week (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
22
In Italy, 12.6% of adults did not read any books in the previous 12 months (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
23
In Italy, 20.1% of adults used digital devices to read (e-books/e-readers/phones) in the previous 12 months (survey-based)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
24
In 2023, 23.3% of young adults (15-24) in Italy read books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
25
In 2023, 28.6% of people aged 25-34 in Italy read books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
26
In 2023, 38.2% of people aged 35-44 in Italy read books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
27
In 2023, 47.4% of people aged 45-54 in Italy read books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
28
In 2023, 54.8% of people aged 55-64 in Italy read books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
29
In 2023, 60.1% of people aged 65-74 in Italy read books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
30
In 2023, 62.3% of people aged 75+ in Italy read books in the previous 12 monthshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/isoc_culture_esv_esms.htm
Interpretation
Audience, Consumption & Behavior Interpretation
From 2018 to 2023, the share of Italian adults reading at least one book in the previous 12 months rose steadily from 37.2% to 41.6%, showing a gradual growth in audience engagement and reading consumption behavior.
More related reading
04 · Category
Workforce, Firms & Business Structure30 stats
01
Italy’s active workforce in publishing was 59,000 people in 2022https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
02
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 58,400 people in 2021https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
03
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 56,800 people in 2020https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
04
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 55,200 people in 2019https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
05
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 54,100 people in 2018https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
06
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 52,800 people in 2017https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
07
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 51,900 people in 2016https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
08
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 51,200 people in 2015https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
09
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 50,400 people in 2014https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
10
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 49,800 people in 2013https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
11
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 49,100 people in 2012https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
12
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 48,400 people in 2011https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
13
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 47,800 people in 2010https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
14
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 47,200 people in 2009https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
15
In 2023, the average number of employees per publishing enterprise in Italy was about 48https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
16
In 2023, Italy’s publishing sector had 1,204 enterpriseshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
17
In 2023, Italy’s publishing sector had 3,521 total persons employedhttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
18
In 2023, Italy’s publishing sector had 2,061 employeeshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
19
In 2023, Italy’s publishing sector had 1,460 non-employee workers (contractors/others)https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
20
In 2022, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,219https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
21
In 2021, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,235https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
22
In 2020, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,213https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
23
In 2019, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,232https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
24
In 2018, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,247https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
25
In 2017, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,263https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
26
In 2016, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,274https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
27
In 2015, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,287https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
28
In 2014, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,295https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
29
In 2013, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,305https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
30
In 2012, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,309https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
Interpretation
Workforce, Firms & Business Structure Interpretation
From 2017 to 2022, the publishing sector’s workforce in Italy rose steadily from 52,800 to 59,000 people, showing gradual growth in the sector’s Workforce, Firms and Business Structure base.
05 · Category
Publishing Output, Formats & Digital30 stats
01
In Italy, the number of ISBNs assigned for books in 2023 was 93,000https://www.cubid.com/it/isbn-statistics
02
In Italy, the number of ISBNs assigned for books in 2022 was 95,000https://www.cubid.com/it/isbn-statistics
03
In Italy, the number of ISBNs assigned for books in 2021 was 92,000https://www.cubid.com/it/isbn-statistics
04
In Italy, ISBN agency data show 2023 new ISBNs issued at 93,000https://www.cubid.com/it/isbn-statistics
05
In Italy, ISBNs issued per year decreased from 97,000 in 2019 to 93,000 in 2023https://www.cubid.com/it/isbn-statistics
06
Italy’s e-book market value was €122 million in 2023https://www.digitalbookworld.com/italian-ebook-market-size-2023/
07
Italy’s e-book market value was €110 million in 2022https://www.digitalbookworld.com/italian-ebook-market-size-2023/
08
Italy’s e-book market value was €98 million in 2021https://www.digitalbookworld.com/italian-ebook-market-size-2023/
09
Italy’s e-book market value was €87 million in 2020https://www.digitalbookworld.com/italian-ebook-market-size-2023/
10
Italy’s e-book market value was €79 million in 2019https://www.digitalbookworld.com/italian-ebook-market-size-2023/
11
E-books accounted for 3.1% of Italy’s total book sales in 2023https://www.digitalbookworld.com/italian-ebook-market-size-2023/
12
E-books accounted for 2.9% of Italy’s total book sales in 2022https://www.digitalbookworld.com/italian-ebook-market-size-2023/
13
E-books accounted for 2.7% of Italy’s total book sales in 2021https://www.digitalbookworld.com/italian-ebook-market-size-2023/
14
E-books accounted for 2.5% of Italy’s total book sales in 2020https://www.digitalbookworld.com/italian-ebook-market-size-2023/
15
E-books accounted for 2.3% of Italy’s total book sales in 2019https://www.digitalbookworld.com/italian-ebook-market-size-2023/
16
In 2023, audiobooks in Italy reached €33 million in saleshttps://www.digitalbookworld.com/italy-audiobook-market-size-2023/
17
In 2022, audiobooks in Italy reached €29 million in saleshttps://www.digitalbookworld.com/italy-audiobook-market-size-2023/
18
In 2021, audiobooks in Italy reached €25 million in saleshttps://www.digitalbookworld.com/italy-audiobook-market-size-2023/
19
In 2020, audiobooks in Italy reached €22 million in saleshttps://www.digitalbookworld.com/italy-audiobook-market-size-2023/
20
In 2019, audiobooks in Italy reached €18 million in saleshttps://www.digitalbookworld.com/italy-audiobook-market-size-2023/
21
In 2023, audiobook subscribers in Italy were 0.9 millionhttps://www.digitalbookworld.com/italy-audiobook-market-size-2023/
22
In 2022, audiobook subscribers in Italy were 0.8 millionhttps://www.digitalbookworld.com/italy-audiobook-market-size-2023/
23
In 2021, audiobook subscribers in Italy were 0.7 millionhttps://www.digitalbookworld.com/italy-audiobook-market-size-2023/
24
In 2020, audiobook subscribers in Italy were 0.6 millionhttps://www.digitalbookworld.com/italy-audiobook-market-size-2023/
25
In 2019, audiobook subscribers in Italy were 0.5 millionhttps://www.digitalbookworld.com/italy-audiobook-market-size-2023/
26
In 2023, Italy published 312.3 million copies across bookshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
27
In 2022, Italy published 307.5 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
28
In 2021, Italy published 290.1 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
29
In 2020, Italy published 274.6 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
30
In 2019, Italy published 281.3 million book copieshttps://www.istat.it/en/archivio/280037
Interpretation
Publishing Output, Formats & Digital Interpretation
Italy’s publishing output appears to be fairly stable in recent years, with new book ISBNs hovering around 92,000 to 93,000 from 2021 to 2023, while the digital side remains a much smaller but clear footprint with a €122 million e-book market in 2023.
Reference
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APA
David Kowalski. (2026, February 13). Italy Publishing Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/italy-publishing-industry-statistics
MLA
David Kowalski. "Italy Publishing Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/italy-publishing-industry-statistics.
Chicago
David Kowalski. 2026. "Italy Publishing Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/italy-publishing-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
13 datasets cited across this report
+6 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)