Vietnam’s publishing industry is evolving, driven by a combination of traditional and digital platforms. The market encompasses a range of products including books, educational materials, newspapers, and magazines. State-owned and private publishers both play significant roles in the industry, focusing on diverse genres such as fiction, non-fiction, and educational books. These companies contribute to fostering a culture of reading and knowledge dissemination throughout the country.
The industry faces several challenges, including copyright infringement and competition from digital media. With the rise of e-books and online content, traditional print publishing is under pressure to adapt and innovate. Publishers are increasingly turning to digital publishing strategies to reach wider audiences and meet changing consumer preferences. Despite these challenges, the demand for educational materials and local literature remains strong, providing opportunities for growth and development within the sector.
Looking forward, the publishing industry in Vietnam is expected to benefit from increased digital adoption and a focus on expanding access to reading materials. The government and private sector are working together to promote a more robust intellectual property framework and improve digital literacy, which will support the continued growth and transformation of the industry over the coming years.
Publishing in Vietnam in numbers
Books
The revenue in Vietnam’s books market is projected to reach US$106.90 million in 2024, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.79 percent from 2024 to 2029. This growth is expected to lead to a market volume of US$116.80 million by 2029, according to Statista.
Despite the slow growth rate, the market remains steady due to sustained demand for educational materials, local literature, and children’s books.
Newspapers and magazines
The revenue in Vietnam’s Newspapers and Magazines market is forecasted to reach US$334.20 million in 2024. However, the market is expected to experience a slight decline, with an annual growth rate of -0.22 percent from 2024 to 2029, leading to a projected revenue of US$330.50 million by 2029, according to Statista.
This trend reflects the ongoing challenges faced by traditional print media due to the increasing shift towards digital platforms and changing consumer preferences.
Domestic publishing firms
Some of the main domestic publishing companies in Vietnam include:
Kim Dong Publishing House
Kim Dong Publishing House, established in 1957, is a state-owned publisher specialising in children’s literature, educational materials, and comics. It is one of the most recognisable names in Vietnam’s publishing industry and is highly respected for its contributions to promoting reading culture among young readers.
Nha Nam Publishing and Communications
Nha Nam is a private publishing company known for its diverse catalogue, including contemporary Vietnamese fiction, translated works of international literature, and non-fiction. It has gained popularity, particularly among younger readers, for its modern and high-quality publications.
Tre Publishing House (Youth Publishing House)
Founded in 1981 and managed by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Tre Publishing House focuses on a broad range of genres, including literature, history, and educational books. It is renowned for publishing works by Vietnamese authors and translating international bestsellers.
Lao Dong Publishing House
Lao Dong Publishing House, affiliated with the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, produces books on labour laws, social sciences, and self-help genres. It plays a significant role in providing resources related to labour and employment.
Education Publishing House
The Education Publishing House, under the Ministry of Education and Training, is the largest publisher of textbooks and educational materials in Vietnam. It serves all levels of the national education system, producing essential resources for students and educators.
Foreign publishing firms in Vietnam
Some of the key foreign publishing companies in Vietnam include:
Oxford University Press (UK)
Oxford University Press, from the United Kingdom, has a strong presence in Vietnam, providing educational materials, particularly English language learning resources. It collaborates with local educational institutions to supply textbooks and academic content for various levels.
Pearson (UK)
Pearson, a global leader in educational publishing based in the United Kingdom, is active in Vietnam with a focus on textbooks, digital learning solutions, and certification programs. It supports English language education and professional development through partnerships with local schools and training centres.
Cambridge University Press (UK)
Cambridge University Press, also from the United Kingdom, offers a range of academic and educational materials in Vietnam, especially in the field of English language learning and assessment. It collaborates with schools and universities to provide high-quality resources and supports English proficiency testing.
McGraw Hill (USA)
McGraw Hill, an American publishing company, operates in Vietnam primarily in the educational sector, providing textbooks and digital content for higher education and professional development. It works with educational institutions to deliver resources across various disciplines.
Hachette Livre (France)
Hachette Livre, a major French publishing group, distributes a variety of translated literary works, educational books, and children’s literature in Vietnam. It partners with local publishers to bring international titles to the Vietnamese market.
Vietnam’s main publishing products
Vietnam’s main publishing products encompass a diverse range of materials, with a strong emphasis on educational resources. Textbooks and academic publications are among the most significant, as they serve all levels of the national education system. These materials are primarily produced by the state-owned Education Publishing House and are essential for primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
Literature, including both classical and contemporary works by Vietnamese authors, is another prominent category. This includes novels, poetry, and short stories, often reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and social issues. Children’s books are also widely produced, featuring educational content, folklore, and moral stories, primarily by publishers like Kim Dong Publishing House.
Non-fiction genres, such as self-help, business, and social sciences, have gained popularity, catering to an audience interested in personal development and professional growth. Additionally, translated works of international literature are significant, with publishers like Nha Nam and Tre Publishing House making foreign bestsellers accessible to Vietnamese readers.
Publishing regulations in Vietnam
Law on Publishing
Publishing regulations in Vietnam are governed by the Law on Publishing, which establishes strict guidelines to control content and ensure adherence to state policies. The Ministry of Information and Communications is the primary authority responsible for managing publishing activities, issuing licences, and overseeing compliance. All publishing houses must obtain a licence to operate, and only state-owned or state-affiliated entities are typically allowed to engage in publishing activities, particularly in sensitive areas such as politics and religion.
Content is subject to pre-publication review, and any material deemed to violate national security, social order, or moral values can be censored or banned. Foreign publishing companies must partner with local entities and can only distribute pre-approved content. Self-publishing and unauthorised distribution of books are prohibited, with strict penalties for violations, including fines and revocation of licences. These regulations aim to maintain control over the dissemination of information and safeguard cultural and political stability in the country.
Several decrees guide the implementation of the Law on Publishing in Vietnam. These decrees provide detailed instructions on various aspects of publishing activities and help enforce the broader provisions of the law. Notable decrees include:
Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP
This decree provides detailed regulations on the implementation of certain articles of the Law on Publishing, particularly concerning the management of publishing houses, printing activities, and the distribution of publications. It outlines the conditions and procedures for licensing and the responsibilities of publishers.
Decree No. 60/2014/ND-CP
This decree amends and supplements several articles of Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP. It includes specific provisions on licensing requirements, the legal responsibilities of publishing houses, and the roles of relevant state agencies in supervising publishing activities.
Decree No. 25/2018/ND-CP
This decree focuses on penalties for administrative violations in the publishing, printing, and distribution sectors. It specifies fines and corrective measures for violations such as illegal publishing, unlicensed printing, and unauthorised distribution of publications.
These decrees, along with the Law on Publishing, form the regulatory framework that governs the publishing industry in Vietnam, ensuring compliance and maintaining control over the content produced and distributed within the country.
What’s next?
The future of publishing in Vietnam is poised for significant transformation as digital technology and changing consumer preferences reshape the industry. While traditional print publishing remains dominant, there is a growing shift towards digital formats, driven by increased internet accessibility and the popularity of ebooks and audiobooks. However, regulatory challenges and content restrictions may continue to influence the development and diversification of publishing products.
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