Vietnam’s book exports remain modest even as the global publishing industry experiences renewed growth, according to findings released at a recent summary conference on publishing imports and exports from 2023 to 2025.
The event, organized by the Department of Publishing, Printing and Distribution under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, highlighted both progress and persistent challenges for the sector.
Deputy Director Nguyen Ngoc Bao reported that 28 units across the country currently hold import licences, though only 19 are actively importing publications.
Between 2023 and 2025, the market was hit by post-pandemic economic conditions and weakened purchasing power. Government support helped stabilize the industry, and the import–export growth rate is forecast to rise 30% by 2025.
Demand for foreign-language books continues to grow, particularly in education and research. Imports now span printed books, e-books, audiobooks, podcasts, and 3D books, with printed formats still accounting for 85% of total volumes.
Despite this, actual usage of foreign books in Vietnam remains low, hindered by a small domestic market, strong competition from e-commerce, and ongoing piracy and copyright violations.
Vietnam exported books mainly to Laos, Japan, the United States, and Australia. Meanwhile, the global publishing market is expanding rapidly, with 2024 industry revenues expected to reach $132 billion and annual growth projected at 4–5% through 2029.
Key markets include the U.S., UK, Germany, Japan, and China, supported by digital trends such as e-books, audiobooks, print-on-demand, and major platforms like Kindle, Audible, and Scribd.
Yet exporters and importers face mounting challenges. Exchange rate fluctuations, higher shipping and freight costs, supply chain disruption, and inflation have all pushed up book prices.
Domestically, both physical and digital piracy are worsening. Emerging technologies such as AI and electronic publishing are reshaping consumer habits, pressuring traditional print while accelerating digital transformation.
From 2023 to 2025, Vietnam imported 181,728 publication titles, amounting to more than 14.7 million copies worth roughly $65 million, mainly sourced from the UK, U.S., Australia, France, Japan, and South Korea.
At the conference, major distributors outlined recommended policy reforms. Fahasa called for simplifying approval processes for electronic publications, removing redundant regulations, strengthening anti-piracy enforcement, and moving import registration to the national public service portal.
It also urged stronger global promotion of Vietnamese books through fairs, licensing, and international partnerships.
Alpha Books proposed recognizing books, especially foreign-language titles, as educational infrastructure, advocating tax incentives, consistent content review procedures, enhanced digital copyright protection, and stronger public–private cooperation.
It also suggested forming business clubs to support international engagement and establishing a hotline to report copyright violations.
Department Director Nguyen Nguyen said upcoming priorities will follow the National Strategy for Cultural Industry Development to 2030, with a vision toward 2045.
Key directions include simplifying administrative procedures, improving copyright protection, revising the publishing legal framework, proposing tax incentives, and hosting international book fairs in Vietnam.
He also encouraged investment in technology, professional training, foreign-language networks, and closer cooperation among publishers, importers, and distributors.
Industry representatives concluded that Vietnam’s book import–export sector faces both significant opportunities and intense global competition.
Enhancing product quality, modernizing procedures, and deepening collaboration will be crucial for Vietnam to strengthen its role in the international publishing landscape.
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