Argentina bookstore sector in crisis: revenue down 41.5%, costs up 31.1%

Argentine independent bookstores report a 41.5% drop in real revenue and a 25% decline in book sales between 2023 and 2026, with costs rising 31.1%, prompting a sector-wide emergency declaration. The data, based on a survey of ~1,200 stores and supported by Fundación El Libro, signals accelerating consumer spending contraction and structural cost pressures in Argentina's retail sector. This is a continuation of Argentina's economic downturn, but the magnitude of the decline highlights deepening domestic demand weakness.