eBooks - Eastern Asia

Eastern Asia

Highlights

In Eastern Asia, revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach US$5.15bn in 2024.
Revenue in this region is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 2.64%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$5.87bn by 2029.
The number of readers in the eBooks market in Eastern Asia is expected to amount to 457.1m users by 2029.
User penetration in Eastern Asia will be 26.1% in 2024 and is expected to hit 28.1% by 2029.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) in this market is expected to amount to US$12.09.
In global comparison, most revenue will be generated the United States, which is expected to reach US$5.34bn in 2024.
In South Korea, the eBook market is rapidly evolving, driven by a growing preference for digital content among younger readers seeking convenience and accessibility.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The eBooks market in Eastern Asia is experiencing significant growth and development. Customer preferences, trends in the market, local special circumstances, and underlying macroeconomic factors all contribute to this positive trend. Customer preferences in Eastern Asia are shifting towards digital content consumption, including eBooks. This can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the increasing penetration of smartphones and tablets in the region has made it easier for consumers to access and read eBooks on the go. Additionally, the convenience of having a vast library of books in a single device appeals to the tech-savvy population in Eastern Asia. Furthermore, the younger generation, who are more inclined towards digital media, are driving the demand for eBooks in the region. Trends in the eBooks market in Eastern Asia are also contributing to its growth. One notable trend is the rise of subscription-based eBook services. These services offer consumers unlimited access to a wide range of eBooks for a fixed monthly fee. This model appeals to cost-conscious consumers who want access to a large library of books without the need to purchase individual titles. Another trend is the increasing availability of eBooks in local languages. As the demand for eBooks grows in Eastern Asia, publishers are recognizing the importance of catering to the local market by offering eBooks in languages such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Local special circumstances in Eastern Asia also play a role in the development of the eBooks market. For example, the high population density in countries like China and Japan makes it more challenging for traditional bookstores to thrive. As a result, consumers are turning to eBooks as a convenient alternative to physical books. Additionally, the prevalence of long commutes in Eastern Asian cities provides an opportunity for eBook consumption during travel time. Underlying macroeconomic factors further support the growth of the eBooks market in Eastern Asia. The region's strong economic growth has led to an increase in disposable income, allowing more consumers to afford digital devices and eBooks. Furthermore, the growing middle class in countries like China and South Korea has created a larger consumer base for eBooks. Additionally, the increasing emphasis on education in Eastern Asian countries has led to a higher demand for educational eBooks and digital learning materials. In conclusion, the eBooks market in Eastern Asia is experiencing significant growth and development due to customer preferences, trends in the market, local special circumstances, and underlying macroeconomic factors. As digital content consumption continues to rise and the region's economies flourish, the eBooks market in Eastern Asia is expected to continue its positive trajectory.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the Books market, which covers paid publications in printed form and in the form of digital replicas (eBooks). Revenues from the consumer (of general interest), academic (for educational purposes), and professional (on specialized topics) markets are included here. All monetary figures refer to consumer spending on digital goods or subscriptions in the respective market. This spending factors in discounts, margins, and taxes.

Modeling approach / market size:

The market size is determined through a bottom-up approach. We use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, survey results from our primary research (e.g., Consumer Insights), as well as performance factors (e.g., user penetration, price per product, usage) to analyze the markets. To estimate the market size for each country individually, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific industry associations, such as various macroeconomic indicators, historical developments, current trends, and reported performance indicators of key market players. In particular, we consider average prices and annual purchase frequencies.

Forecasts:

We apply a variety of forecasting techniques, depending on the behavior of the relevant market. For instance, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting digital products and services due to the non-linear growth of technology adoption. The main drivers are GDP per capita, consumer spending per capita, and 4G coverage.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year. In some cases, the data is updated on an ad hoc basis (e.g., when new, relevant data has been released or significant changes within the market have an impact on the projected development). Consumer Insights data is reweighted for representativeness.