The book trade in Peru is another of the sectors hit by the pandemic. In fact, its recovery only goes to 60% in relation to the sales registered in 2019according to Peruvian Book Chamber (CPL). The social conflicts that caused road closures as well as the intense rains and mudslides, registered in different regions, have contributed to the stagnation of the sector.
Another factor that could have a negative influence is that on October 16 of this year the exemption from VAT on the importation and/or sale of books and related publishing products in the country expires, under Book Law 31053. According to the CPL, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) should not only extend the validity of this benefit but also make it a permanent measure.
“If the tax benefit is only for three years, it really is a short time for us, as institutions, to develop transversal strategies that allow the growth of the book and the cultural and educational benefits that this implies,” explained Antonio Moretti, manager of this union. , to The Republic.
It should be noted that it is a sector that moves around S/200 million a year, according to Librerías Crisol.
How much do Peruvians pay, on average, for a book?
Although there are books of all prices, Peruvians in Lima pay between S/50 and S/80 for a book, on averagewhile in regions the amount goes from S/30 to S/50, according to the CPL.
What kind of readings do we consume the most? The best-selling category is children’s, which is aimed at an audience from 0 to 11 years old.; then comes literature, that is, novels, chronicles, essays and all kinds of fictional texts; in third place are youth books, which, according to Librerías Crisol, has had explosive growth during the pandemic.
In fourth place is the humanities category. While the consumption of Japanese manga or comics is increasing in recent yearsalthough it is still not certain if it is just a fad or a trend that has come to stay, explains Percy Uriarte, product and editorial manager of this bookstore chain.
Fact
From Thursday, April 20, 2023, all Liberías Crisol stores will have a 3 for 2 offer on all their stock. In the coming days, for Book Day, new promotions will be announced.
Source: Larepublica
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