Bookstores in Argentina Face Crisis Amid Declining Sales

The survey revealed that book sales in Argentina have declined by approximately 25% from 2023 to 2026, while revenues for bookstores have decreased by 41.5%. At the same time, operational costs, including utilities, communications, and logistics, have increased by 31.1%.

Many independent bookstores are struggling to survive by reducing their owners' salaries, using personal savings, or accruing debt.

FALPA has linked the bookselling crisis to concerns about Argentina's educational performance, particularly in relation to the 2025 PISA test scores, which assess student learning. The latest results showed a decline in performance across all subjects compared to the 2022 tests and were below the OECD average.

The Federation emphasized the need to rebuild reading habits, stating, "This emergency is occurring, moreover, within an educational context that demands rebuilding reading habits. The latest PISA test results show a worrying decline in reading comprehension among our youth." FALPA argues that strengthening reading practices and maintaining a network of bookstores should be prioritized in cultural and educational policy.

FALPA has urged national, provincial, and municipal governments to implement urgent measures to protect independent bookstores. "We are not asking for privileges. We are asking for conditions that allow us to compete, work, and survive," they stated, expressing that their individual efforts may no longer suffice.

The El Libro Foundation, which organizes the Buenos Aires International Book Fair, has supported FALPA's declaration and expressed deep concern over the situation. Earlier in 2023, the book industry—comprising publishers, distributors, booksellers, and authors—advocated against a government proposal to eliminate fixed-price regulations, fearing it would severely impact independent bookstores despite government assurances of increased competition and lower prices.

FALPA highlighted the importance of bookstores as vital cultural hubs, stating, "When a bookstore closes, it’s not just a business disappearing. A gateway to books and to the community’s culture disappears as well."