International Book Market 2026
Adult Fiction Continues to Grow, Graphic Novels Surge and Non-Fiction Remains in Decline
NielsenIQ BookData and GfK Entertainment have presented their 2026 half-year International Book Market analysis ahead of the Frankfurt Book Fair. The results show revenue growth in 11 of the 19 territories surveyed. Adult Fiction remains the key growth driver and now accounts for more than one-third of all printed books sold. In contrast, the Non-Fiction segment continues to decline.
International book markets delivered mixed results during the first half of 2026. According to the representative data, 11 of the 19 territories analyzed reported year-on-year revenue growth. The strongest performers included the growth markets of India (+16.7%) and Brazil (+12.6%), Oceania with Australia (+5.6%) and New Zealand (+7.2%), as well as major European markets such as Italy (+5.1%), Spain (+3.9%), and the United Kingdom (+1.5%). Significant declines were recorded in Poland (-11.7%) and France (-5.4%), among others.
In terms of unit sales – the total number of books sold – nine territories recorded growth. Brazil (+10.5%) and India (+8.3%) once again stood out. Many European countries, however, reported declines, including Poland (-11.3%), Belgium’s Wallonia region (-4.9%), and France (-6.2%). France remains the largest market covered by NielsenIQ BookData, with 124 million books sold, followed by the United Kingdom, where volume sales fell by -1.1% to 82 million units.
Average prices increased in 11 of the 19 territories, although often below IMF’s projected global headline inflation of +4.7% for 2026. Adult Fiction accounts for more than one-third of all printed books sold. While fiction publishing continues to thrive, the Non-Fiction market remains under pressure, with only four countries reporting value growth. Substantial declines have been recorded in the Personal Development category.
The Children’s and Young Adult book market also posted mixed results in the first half of 2026, with ten territories recording revenue growth. At the same time, bestseller rankings show that successful series and established brands continue to enjoy enormous reach. Alongside well-known children’s book characters; comics and serialised formats continue to play an important role.