România are cel mai mare TVA la carte din UE - 11% | În timp ce editurile se sufocă, veniturile din jocuri de noroc sunt taxate cu 4%

The increase of VAT on books in Romania to 11% has severely impacted the local publishing industry, leading to higher prices and reduced sales volumes. Publishers are facing financial difficulties, with consumers becoming more selective and cautious in their purchases. The overall revenue growth reported by major publishers is misleading, as it primarily reflects price increases rather than actual sales growth. The situation is exacerbated by rising costs for materials and distribution, limiting publishers' ability to invest in new titles. Romania's upcoming participation as Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2028 presents an opportunity for international visibility, but internal market challenges remain significant. In contrast, other European countries maintain lower VAT rates on books, highlighting differing fiscal approaches to the publishing sector.