2025 Taipei International Book Exhibition: Over 570,000 Visitors, Driving Global Publishing Exchange
The 33rd Taipei International Book Exhibition (2025TIBE) successfully concluded on February 9, attracting over 570,000 visitors, marking a new high in recent years and demonstrating the robust vitality of Taiwan’s reading market. This year’s event featured 504 publishers from 29 countries, with 896 international professionals participating. A total of 2,031 copyright trading meetings, including 417 rights meetings among Fellowship program facilitated by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA), reinforced TIBE’s role as a key hub for publishing exchange in Asia.
Guest of Honor
This year’s Guest of Honor, Italy, presented a rich lineup of literary activities, bringing 40 publishing professionals, 11 contemporary authors, and 8 publishers, hosting over 100 copyright business meetings and 32 cultural events. The dedicated children's creativity section attracted numerous young readers, symbolizing the deep cultural connection between Italy and Taiwan.
During the closing press conference, it was officially announced that Thailand will be the Guest of Honor for TIBE 2026. Representatives from the Thai Publishers and Booksellers Association and cultural institutions expressed excitement about showcasing diverse digital storytelling and literary works to deepen Taiwan-Thailand cultural exchanges.
Publishing Forums & Future Trends
TIBE 2025 featured 11 professional publishing forums, covering forward-looking topics such as the impact of AI on the publishing industry, in collaboration with the Frankfurt Book Fair. These sessions attracted widespread attention from international publishing professionals.
Reading Events & Digital Reading Trends
There are 1,126 reading and salon events taking place during the exhibition, featuring 1,268 speakers from Taiwan and abroad, including renowned authors such as Pai Hsien-yung (白先勇), Banana Yoshimoto (吉本芭娜娜), Chang Ta-chun (張大春), Li Ang (李昂), and Wu Ming-yi (吳明益). Additionally, the Follow Your Fancy in Reading Celebrity Recommendation Exhibit, supported by celebrities including baseball star Chou Szu-chi (周思齊), esteemed moderator Hsieh Che-ching (謝哲青), and former news anchor Shen Chun-hua (沈春華), successfully promoted a reading culture across various industries.
Digital reading continued to thrive, with remarkable growth in e-book and e-reader sales. Rakuten Kobo saw a fivefold increase, HyRead grew threefold, and Books.com.tw debuted at TIBE with impressive sales results, highlighting the rising demand for digital reading. The “Hotel of Crossed Destinies” digital pavilion engaged over 2,000 readers, allowing them to explore AI-generated collaborative novels with authors.
Government Initiatives Boost Publishing Industry
TIBE 2025 benefited from Taiwan’s Culture Points and Full Ticket Deduction Policies, attracting young readers and families while boosting publisher revenues. Some exhibitors reported a 20-30% increase in sales compared to the previous year. Additionally, TIBE sponsored 845 students from rural areas to attend, promoting equitable access to reading.
TIBE: A Premier Platform for Global Publishing Exchange
The Taipei International Book Exhibition received high praise from international publishing professionals. Industry representatives from Germany, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and France commended TIBE for its openness and global perspective, recognizing its potential as a promising market. TIBE will continue to enhance international collaboration, drive publishing industry development, and prepare for an exciting TIBE 2026 with Thailand as the Guest of Honor.