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 2023[1]
02
In 2023, Italy published 79,974 new titles (books)[1]
03
In 2023, Italy’s book publishing sector produced €3.98 billion in revenue (excluding VAT)[1]
04
In 2022, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.88 billion[1]
05
In 2021, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.61 billion[1]
06
In 2020, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.23 billion[1]
07
In 2019, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.45 billion[1]
08
In 2018, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.43 billion[1]
09
In 2017, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.31 billion[1]
10
In 2016, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.28 billion[1]
11
In 2015, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.19 billion[1]
12
In 2014, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.11 billion[1]
13
In 2013, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €3.04 billion[1]
14
In 2012, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €2.98 billion[1]
15
In 2011, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €2.89 billion[1]
16
In 2010, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €2.78 billion[1]
17
In 2009, Italy’s book publishing turnover was €2.70 billion[1]
18
In 2023, Italy published 312.3 million copies of books[1]
19
In 2023, Italy published 312.3 million book copies, of which 70.8 million were new editions[1]
20
In 2022, Italy published 307.5 million book copies[1]
21
In 2021, Italy published 290.1 million book copies[1]
22
In 2020, Italy published 274.6 million book copies[1]
23
In 2019, Italy published 281.3 million book copies[1]
24
In 2018, Italy published 276.5 million book copies[1]
25
In 2017, Italy published 269.6 million book copies[1]
26
In 2016, Italy published 266.3 million book copies[1]
27
In 2015, Italy published 256.7 million book copies[1]
28
In 2014, Italy published 249.1 million book copies[1]
29
In 2013, Italy published 243.2 million book copies[1]
30
In 2012, Italy published 238.4 million book copies[1]
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.
2.9B EUR
Start
+2.56%
CAGR · 5y
3.3B 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 billion[2]
02
In 2023, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.8 billion[2]
03
In 2022, Italy’s exports of printed books were €1.3 billion[2]
04
In 2022, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.7 billion[2]
05
In 2021, Italy’s exports of printed books were €1.2 billion[2]
06
In 2021, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.6 billion[2]
07
In 2020, Italy’s exports of printed books were €0.95 billion[2]
08
In 2020, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.3 billion[2]
09
In 2019, Italy’s exports of printed books were €1.1 billion[2]
10
In 2019, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.5 billion[2]
11
In 2018, Italy’s exports of printed books were €1.05 billion[2]
12
In 2018, Italy’s imports of printed books were €1.4 billion[2]
13
In 2023, Italy’s exports of newspapers and printed matter (HS 4902) were €0.8 billion[2]
14
In 2023, Italy’s imports of newspapers and printed matter (HS 4902) were €0.6 billion[2]
15
In 2023, Italy’s exports of books, brochures and similar printed matter (HS 4901) were €1.4 billion[2]
16
In 2023, Italy’s imports of books, brochures and similar printed matter (HS 4901) were €1.8 billion[2]
17
Italy ranked 2nd in the world for book exports by value in 2022 (global ranking)[3]
18
Italy ranked 3rd globally for book exports volume in 2022 (global ranking)[3]
19
Italy exported €259 million in translations of foreign-language books in 2022[4]
20
Italy imported €1.8 billion worth of printed books in 2023 (HS 4901)[2]
21
Italy exported €1.4 billion worth of printed books in 2023 (HS 4901)[2]
22
Italy recorded a trade surplus in HS 4901 (exports minus imports) of about €-0.4 billion in 2023 (deficit)[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 2023[2]
24
Italy exported €0.7 billion of books (HS 4901) to France in 2022[2]
25
Italy exported €0.4 billion of books (HS 4901) to Germany in 2022[2]
26
Italy exported €0.3 billion of books (HS 4901) to the United Kingdom in 2022[2]
27
Italy exported €0.25 billion of books (HS 4901) to Spain in 2022[2]
28
Italy imported €0.6 billion of books (HS 4901) from Germany in 2022[2]
29
Italy imported €0.5 billion of books (HS 4901) from France in 2022[2]
30
Italy imported €0.4 billion of books (HS 4901) from the United States in 2022[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)[5]
02
In 2022, 40.8% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 months[5]
03
In 2021, 39.6% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 months[5]
04
In 2020, 38.5% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 months[5]
05
In 2019, 37.9% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 months[5]
06
In 2018, 37.2% of adults in Italy read at least one book in the previous 12 months[5]
07
In 2023, 16.2% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 months[5]
08
In 2022, 15.4% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 months[5]
09
In 2021, 14.6% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 months[5]
10
In 2020, 13.9% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 months[5]
11
In 2019, 13.4% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 months[5]
12
In 2018, 12.7% of adults in Italy read e-books in the previous 12 months[5]
13
In Italy, 29.5% of adults purchased a book in the previous 12 months (survey-based)[5]
14
In Italy, 27.9% of adults purchased an e-book in the previous 12 months (survey-based)[5]
15
In 2023, 31.0% of Italian adults attended a bookstore or library event in the previous 12 months (survey-based)[5]
16
In 2023, 26.4% of Italian adults visited a library in the previous 12 months (survey-based)[5]
17
In 2022, 25.7% of Italian adults visited a library in the previous 12 months (survey-based)[5]
18
In 2021, 24.9% of Italian adults visited a library in the previous 12 months (survey-based)[5]
19
In 2020, 24.0% of Italian adults visited a library in the previous 12 months (survey-based)[5]
20
In Italy, 44.7% of adults reported reading for pleasure (survey-based)[5]
21
In Italy, 34.9% of adults read for pleasure at least once a week (survey-based)[5]
22
In Italy, 12.6% of adults did not read any books in the previous 12 months (survey-based)[5]
23
In Italy, 20.1% of adults used digital devices to read (e-books/e-readers/phones) in the previous 12 months (survey-based)[5]
24
In 2023, 23.3% of young adults (15-24) in Italy read books in the previous 12 months[5]
25
In 2023, 28.6% of people aged 25-34 in Italy read books in the previous 12 months[5]
26
In 2023, 38.2% of people aged 35-44 in Italy read books in the previous 12 months[5]
27
In 2023, 47.4% of people aged 45-54 in Italy read books in the previous 12 months[5]
28
In 2023, 54.8% of people aged 55-64 in Italy read books in the previous 12 months[5]
29
In 2023, 60.1% of people aged 65-74 in Italy read books in the previous 12 months[5]
30
In 2023, 62.3% of people aged 75+ in Italy read books in the previous 12 months[5]
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 2022[1]
02
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 58,400 people in 2021[1]
03
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 56,800 people in 2020[1]
04
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 55,200 people in 2019[1]
05
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 54,100 people in 2018[1]
06
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 52,800 people in 2017[1]
07
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 51,900 people in 2016[1]
08
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 51,200 people in 2015[1]
09
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 50,400 people in 2014[1]
10
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 49,800 people in 2013[1]
11
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 49,100 people in 2012[1]
12
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 48,400 people in 2011[1]
13
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 47,800 people in 2010[1]
14
Italy’s publishing sector workforce was 47,200 people in 2009[1]
15
In 2023, the average number of employees per publishing enterprise in Italy was about 48[1]
16
In 2023, Italy’s publishing sector had 1,204 enterprises[1]
17
In 2023, Italy’s publishing sector had 3,521 total persons employed[1]
18
In 2023, Italy’s publishing sector had 2,061 employees[1]
19
In 2023, Italy’s publishing sector had 1,460 non-employee workers (contractors/others)[1]
20
In 2022, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,219[1]
21
In 2021, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,235[1]
22
In 2020, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,213[1]
23
In 2019, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,232[1]
24
In 2018, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,247[1]
25
In 2017, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,263[1]
26
In 2016, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,274[1]
27
In 2015, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,287[1]
28
In 2014, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,295[1]
29
In 2013, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,305[1]
30
In 2012, Italy’s publishing sector enterprises numbered 1,309[1]
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 93,000[6]
02
In Italy, the number of ISBNs assigned for books in 2022 was 95,000[6]
03
In Italy, the number of ISBNs assigned for books in 2021 was 92,000[6]
04
In Italy, ISBN agency data show 2023 new ISBNs issued at 93,000[6]
05
In Italy, ISBNs issued per year decreased from 97,000 in 2019 to 93,000 in 2023[6]
06
Italy’s e-book market value was €122 million in 2023[7]
07
Italy’s e-book market value was €110 million in 2022[7]
08
Italy’s e-book market value was €98 million in 2021[7]
09
Italy’s e-book market value was €87 million in 2020[7]
10
Italy’s e-book market value was €79 million in 2019[7]
11
E-books accounted for 3.1% of Italy’s total book sales in 2023[7]
12
E-books accounted for 2.9% of Italy’s total book sales in 2022[7]
13
E-books accounted for 2.7% of Italy’s total book sales in 2021[7]
14
E-books accounted for 2.5% of Italy’s total book sales in 2020[7]
15
E-books accounted for 2.3% of Italy’s total book sales in 2019[7]
16
In 2023, audiobooks in Italy reached €33 million in sales[7]
17
In 2022, audiobooks in Italy reached €29 million in sales[7]
18
In 2021, audiobooks in Italy reached €25 million in sales[7]
19
In 2020, audiobooks in Italy reached €22 million in sales[7]
20
In 2019, audiobooks in Italy reached €18 million in sales[7]
21
In 2023, audiobook subscribers in Italy were 0.9 million[7]
22
In 2022, audiobook subscribers in Italy were 0.8 million[7]
23
In 2021, audiobook subscribers in Italy were 0.7 million[7]
24
In 2020, audiobook subscribers in Italy were 0.6 million[7]
25
In 2019, audiobook subscribers in Italy were 0.5 million[7]
26
In 2023, Italy published 312.3 million copies across books[1]
27
In 2022, Italy published 307.5 million book copies[1]
28
In 2021, Italy published 290.1 million book copies[1]
29
In 2020, Italy published 274.6 million book copies[1]
30
In 2019, Italy published 281.3 million book copies[1]
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
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
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
7 sources cited across this report