Nearly Half of Ukrainian Publishers See Revenue Drop Despite Growing Book Market

Ukraine's Book Market in 2025: Key Findings from the Latest Study

According to Главком: The Ukrainian Book Institute has released its 2025 market analysis, revealing a mixed picture: while the number of publishers and total industry revenue have increased, book print runs have declined, and revenue gains are offset by inflation. Specifically, 46% of publishers are reporting falling income.

In 2025, Ukraine had around 400 active publishers-40 more than the year before. Total industry revenue rose from 8.2 to 8.9 billion hryvnias. The number of book titles also grew by 4%, reaching 15,069 books and brochures. However, the total print run shrank by 1.75%, to 33 million copies. Notably, the 9% revenue increase merely matches the inflation rate.

Industry Health and Government Support

Among publishers, 208 (54%) reported growth and together hold 76% of all industry revenue. Meanwhile, 177 publishers (46%) saw declines and control just a quarter of the market. The book market benefits from VAT exemptions and a ban on imports from Russia.

Government reading initiatives-such as the Winter Thousand, School Kit, National Cashback, and e-Book for 18-year-olds-also help drive market development.

'We will look for growth points, and then the state-the Ministry of Culture, the Cabinet of Ministers, and we-will respond accordingly.' Oleksandra Koval

Despite positive trends, the market remains split in half, and old models no longer work. This underscores the need for fresh approaches and strategies to advance Ukraine's book sector.

The study's results highlight that, even with more publishers and higher revenues, the Ukrainian book market faces serious challenges-including shrinking print runs and inflationary pressure. This points to a demand for new business models and initiatives capable of adapting to shifting market conditions. Successful implementation of government support programs could be a key factor in the industry's continued development.

In a similar vein, the dynamics of other sectors, such as the automotive industry, reveal significant shifts. For instance, the Ukrainian car market has transformed dramatically over the past 15 years, with the share of new vehicles plummeting from 61.5% to just 7%. Understanding these parallel trends can provide valuable insights into the broader economic landscape, highlighting the challenges various markets face in adapting to changing circumstances. To explore the details of this transformation, read more about the automotive sector's evolution here.