The decline of book sales in 2020 has reached 30 percent, according to a survery by the Bulgarian Book Association. More than half of respondents in the industry say April was the month with the lowest revenue, followed by May. During this period, the decline in sales was between 50% to 70%. 

Booksellers believe that the 9% VAT on books should become a permanent measure. A significant part of the respondents - 72%, say that they have only partially managed to resume their activities after the severe blow to the book business. 18% continue to experience great difficulties. 30% of bookstore owners have  been forced to lay off employees. 

64% of respondents say that they have seen a rise only in revenues from online sales, BGNES reported.