The UK publishing industry generated a record £7.4 billion in revenue in 2025, according to new figures released by the Publishers Association, highlighting the sector's growing importance as one of Britain's leading creative industries.
The annual data shows total publishing revenue increased by 3 per cent compared with the previous year, driven by strong export performance, growing demand for digital content and continued consumer interest in fiction, children's books and audiobooks.
Exports remained a key driver of growth, rising by 4 per cent to £4.7 billion. The United States, Australia and Germany were identified as the largest overseas markets for UK-published books and educational materials.
The figures underline the increasingly international nature of British publishing, with export revenues accounting for almost two-thirds of the sector's total income.
Digital publishing continued to expand rapidly, with revenues increasing by 7 per cent to £3.6 billion, while print revenues remained stable at £3.8 billion.
One of the strongest-performing areas was the audiobook market, where sales increased by 10 per cent during 2025. Audiobooks now account for around one-tenth of the consumer publishing market.
The consumer publishing sector generated £2.6 billion in revenue, up 3 per cent on the previous year. Growth was led by fiction and children's books, with revenues increasing by 8 per cent and 7 per cent respectively.
However, non-fiction titles experienced a more challenging year, with revenues declining by 3 per cent.
Despite the growth of digital formats, printed books continue to dominate consumer publishing, accounting for 79 per cent of total consumer publishing revenue.
The academic publishing sector also delivered strong results, with revenue increasing by 5 per cent to £3.7 billion. Export growth remained particularly significant, reflecting continued international demand for UK research and scholarly publications.
Domestic academic publishing revenue also increased, with higher sales of both books and journals contributing to growth.
By contrast, educational publishing experienced a more difficult year. Revenue in the sector fell by 4 per cent to £636 million, with domestic sales declining by 13 per cent. Industry leaders cited pressure on education budgets and uncertainty surrounding the introduction of a new curriculum in 2028 as factors affecting purchasing decisions.
Commenting on the figures, Dan Conway said:
“It's fantastic to see that 2025 was another strong, and indeed record-setting, year for UK publishing.”
Dan Conway, CEO, Publishers Association
He highlighted changing consumer habits and the increasing popularity of digital formats.
“In 2025 we were more likely to listen to a book, or to read content digitally, than ever before. This shows how right across our academic, education and consumer publishing sectors we are continuing to find ways to connect readers with content in the format that best suits them.”
Dan Conway, CEO, Publishers Association
Conway also emphasised the importance of exports and the role of publishing as a global ambassador for British culture, education and research.
“These latest export figures are a reminder of the role of publishing and the wider creative industries as cultural ambassadors for the UK, and an important vehicle for sharing education, information, culture and ideas globally.”
Dan Conway, CEO, Publishers Association
The Publishers Association, which represents publishing companies across the UK, said the results demonstrate the resilience of the sector despite economic challenges and changing consumer habits.
The figures also reinforce the significance of the UK's creative industries as a major contributor to economic growth, exports and international influence, with British books, journals and educational resources continuing to find audiences around the world.
As digital formats continue to grow and international demand remains strong, the industry appears well positioned to build on its record-breaking performance in the years ahead.
