Exploring the Potential of Children’s Books Market

Just a few days ago, the educational landscape witnessed the release of the “2023 China Family Education Consumption White Paper.” This updated report continues to underscore the rising significance of family education consumption, with over 50% of parents affirming that their children’s education takes precedence over other household expenses. Parents continue to invest substantial time, effort, and financial resources into early childhood education, and among the diverse educational tools available, children’s books stand out as a highly promising and popular market segment.

Sinhan Printing: Pioneering Children’s Books, Educational Toys, Puzzles, and Board Games

In recent years, debates have raged regarding the fate of print reading in the face of electronic alternatives. However, the reality is more nuanced than the demise of print reading. Traditional print reading has enduring strengths that electronic reading cannot supplant.

Print reading, using paper as its medium, offers an unparalleled reading experience, reaching emotional peaks during the process. Unlike digital reading, traditional print reading encourages focused engagement with the content, enabling readers to delve deeply into knowledge, appreciate the beauty of literature, and savor the unique charm of linguistic artistry.

Reading is a complex act, involving attention, critical thinking, and various other elements. Despite the digital impact, nurturing the habit of reading print books during childhood remains crucial. Renowned education expert and national reading advocate, Zhu Yongxin, emphasized the importance of cultivating good reading habits in children, particularly through print books, to address the issue of excessive screen time and enhance children’s attention span and critical thinking.

Continued Growth in China’s Children’s Book Market

According to the “2023 China Book Retail Market Report,” the total size of China’s book retail market reached a staggering 1.2 trillion RMB in 2023, with children’s books accounting for an impressive 26.8% of the total sales value. Over the past four years, from 2019 to 2023, children’s books have maintained an impressive annual sales growth rate of over 60%, firmly establishing themselves as a leading force in the publishing industry. With more than 600 domestic publishing houses, over 520 of them specialize in children’s books, boasting a diverse array of over 600,000 titles, a number that surpasses that of the United States, reaffirming China’s position as a global leader. The colossal market comprises an astounding 400 million minors, with an annual print volume exceeding 1 billion copies, offering over 400,000 titles and resulting in a sales revenue exceeding 20 billion RMB.

The “2023 Annual Book Inventory Report” by JD.com’s Book and Entertainment Division revealed that in terms of year-on-year growth in sales value, educational books maintained their top position, closely followed by children’s books in the second position, and literary books in the third. In terms of user numbers, the popularity of children’s books continued to soar, consistently ranking among the top choices for readers.

Based on data from Dangdang, one of China’s largest online book retailers, their “2023 Annual Children’s Book Market Data Report” showcased a remarkable 70% growth in sales volume for children’s books. Supported by three main categories: children’s literature, picture books, and popular science encyclopedias, this growth trend remained robust.

The substantial market potential has injected renewed vigor into over 90% of domestic publishing houses, providing them with a prosperous avenue for business expansion. Notably, the opportunities for printing companies extend beyond the domestic landscape. Under the guidance of the national “Going Global” policy, they have access to a vast international market.

“Going Global” – Propelling Chinese Children’s Books to the World in 2023

The journey of Chinese children’s books going global has progressed through three distinct phases: from “neglect” to “gradual recognition and acceptance,” and now, in 2023, “significant growth.” As international communities increasingly recognize and embrace Chinese children’s literature, its diversity and influence expand worldwide. In recent years, bolstered by the enhancement of China’s soft power, Chinese publishers have expanded their horizons through book imports and active participation in international book fairs. Moreover, under the framework of the “Belt and Road” initiative, numerous books have been exported to countries along these routes, further increasing China’s presence in international markets.

Entering the 2020s, China’s children’s book market has continued its growth trajectory, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 10%, capturing over 40% of the total book market share, solidifying its status as the cornerstone of the publishing industry. It is universally acknowledged in the publishing world that China is firmly in the midst of its second “Golden Decade” in children’s book publishing, transitioning from a major player to a global leader. As children’s books continue to find their way into international markets, printing companies, such as Sinhan Printing, with expertise in Chinese children’s book production, are stepping onto the global stage, embarking on a journey filled with opportunities and challenges.

Sinhan Printing: Crafting Quality Children’s Books, Puzzles, and Games for 2023 and Beyond

As a dedicated manufacturer specializing in children’s books, educational toys, puzzles, and board games, Sinhan Printing remains unwavering in its commitment to delivering the highest quality in print. We are devoted to developing educational children’s books that enrich young minds and inspire creativity. Our state-of-the-art facility, spanning over 13,000 square meters, is equipped with cutting-edge printing technology, including Heidelberg’s 4-color, 5-color+1, and 6-color+1 printing machines, as well as Kodak’s fully automated publishing equipment. These investments ensure that our printing technology consistently meets global standards while delivering impeccable color fidelity. We have also introduced advanced post-production machinery, achieving fully automated and efficient production of children’s board books.

Sinhan Printing is proud to house a professional technical team and an exceptional management team, dedicated to providing services of the highest standards to our clients. We extend a warm invitation to visitors from all walks of life to explore our facilities and discuss potential collaboration opportunities. With the steadfast support of Sinhan Printing, together, we can create a healthier and more stimulating reading environment for children, further enhancing their growth and education in 2023 and beyond.