Book Prices Increase as Publishing Rate Falls

The rise in paper price has led to a rise in book prices and an inevitable decline in publishing during the first two Iranian months (March 21-May 21).
Statistics show a total of 2,624 titles were published in the first Iranian month (March 21-April 20), 1,585 of which were original ones while 1,039 ones were translations, Tasnim News Agency reported.
This is while 2,452 book titles belonged to publishers in Tehran Province and the remaining 172 to those of other provinces.
The number of published titles indicates a 22% decline compared with last year’s corresponding period. 
Publishers agree that the decline is due to paper shortage in the country.
The number of published books for children and teenagers saw a 15% decline year-on-year to reach 572.
The average book prices stood at 237,110 rials ($1.85) during the month, indicating a 36% growth YOY.
Book prices during the second Iranian month (April 21-May 21) saw an unprecedented 88% hike YOY. This is while publishing rate decreased by 18% YOY during this period.
In the month ending May 21, a total of 7,250 titles were published, 5,145 of which were original while 2,155 ones were translations.
Publishers in Tehran Province had an 82% share, followed by those in Isfahan Province with 5%, Alborz with 1%, Khorasan Razavi with 1%, East Azarbaijan with 1%, Kurdestan with 1% and other provinces with an aggregate of 9%.
The number of book titles published for children and teens witnessed a 41% fall during the month to reach 788.
The average book price stood at 339,940 rials ($2.66) during the second months and registered an increase of 87.85% YOY.