Exercise books market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The exercise book market in Greece contracted from 6,294 tons in 2018 to 5,234 tons in 2020. This decline followed the 2018 reorganization of primary and secondary education support structures, which included a ban on private schools selling books and stationery to students. Concurrent administrative modernization in schools reduced paperwork for materials management. Although the Greek publishing sector saw new entrants and rising production of self-help books during 2019-2020, this expansion in a related segment did not reverse the downward trend in exercise book demand.

Market volume rebounded to 5,870 tons in 2021 and reached 6,221 tons in 2022. The recovery was driven by the mandatory use of practical training logs for vocational institute students in 2021, which increased the need for exercise books. In 2022, a major government initiative—the book voucher program from the Public Employment Service—distributed 150,000 vouchers for purchasing educational materials, directly stimulating consumption. Revisions to secondary school textbooks for the 2022-2023 academic year also necessitated new accompanying resources.

In 2023, the market stabilized at 6,210 tons, supported by the continued operation of the Digital Textbook Library and the extended voucher scheme. The publishing industry maintained steady output, including a significant presence of self-help publications. By 2024, volume had decreased to 6,104 tons.

Production exercise books in Greece

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Greece's exercise book production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 9 238 K $ US, down 0.9% year-over-year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when production rose 6.8% to reach its peak value of 9 884 K $ US. The following year, 2019, saw the largest decline of 5.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Greece in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Greece's exercise book production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 4 694 t were produced, representing a slight 2.1% decrease year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with production rising 4.9% to reach its peak of 5 021 t. In 2019, production experienced its largest decline of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Greece in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports exercise books from Greece

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, exercise book exports from Greece amounted to 114 t, marking a 41.9% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 197 t, which also saw the largest increase of 55.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 29.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Greece in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Egypt, and Cyprus stood out as the main markets for Greece's exercise book exports in kind. Italy accounted for 36.6% of exports, Egypt for 29.9%, and Cyprus for 8.1%. Together, these three countries represented 74.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Greece in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of exercise books from Greece came to 266 K $ US, showing a dramatic contraction of 47.5% from the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 506 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 55.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 23.3%, equating to an annualized rate of -8.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Greece in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy, Egypt, and Cyprus were the three largest markets for Greece's exercise book exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 65.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Greece in value, 2017-2020

Imports exercise books to Greece

Imports in kind, t

Exercise book imports into Greece declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 655 t, marking a 42.9% decrease year-over-year. The peak was in 2018 at 1 399 t, which also saw the largest increase of 4.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 51.3%, with an annualized rate of -21.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Greece in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China, India, and Turkey were the main suppliers of exercise books to Greece in kind. China accounted for 51.5% of imports, India for 17.2%, and Turkey for 14.1%. Together, these three countries comprised 82.9% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Greece in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of exercise books into Greece declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 291 K $ US, showing a drop of 50.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 58.4%, equating to an annualized rate of -25.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Greece in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China, Turkey, and India continued to be the main suppliers of exercise books to Greece in value terms. China accounted for 46.0% of imports, Turkey for 15.2%, and India for 13.2%. Jointly, they formed 74.4% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Greece in value, 2017-2020