Global Publishing Industry
The global publishing market (segment of the broad media industry and manufacturing sector) is involved in the production of magazines, newspapers and books, and encompasses general, professional and academic disciplines. The printed word is under increasing pressure from online publishing as readers turn to e-books and online resources over the print materials. Other industries in the publishing industry include mailing lists, directories, information services and journals.
Key Publishing Market Segments
Books comprise almost 42% of the overall global publishing market, according to MarketLine. More than 65% of the book market is comprised of music, video and books retail. Bookstores make up around 62% of the market, with other outfits including online sellers and chain stores. The EU holds around 45% market share in the global books market.
The global printed publishing industry's largest market segment is comprised of daily newspapers, representing almost 80% of the overall market in terms of value. The EU holds around 40% market share of the global newspapers market.
E-reader and tablet sales continue to boost profit in the e-books market. E-book publishing makes books already in print available in digital format, and edits and designs books publishing in digital format only. Two obstacles to healthy market growth include free e-book access, and discord among publishers regarding e-book pricing. Rising disposable income will boost e-reader sales moving forward. Advantages of electronic books that make this market segment a success include easy access, evolving patterns in learning behavior and research, and storage convenience.
Leading Publishing Regional Markets
The world’s number-one publishing nation is the UK, producing 120,000 new books annually, according to the UK Publishers Association. The UK is the top exporter in the global publishing industry, and holds the biggest media and creative sectors. Between journals, books and electronic publishing, the industry is responsible for generating almost $8 billion worth of domestic economy revenue over the past seven years, expanding close to 15%. Out of the country’s creative industries, books represent the UK’s highest export turnover.
The EU represents almost 42% of the overall worldwide publishing industry in terms of market share.