Logistics more important than ever for publishing industry

In the UK alone, the publishing sector ships more books than any other country globally, followed by the US and Germany. The sector thrives on exports and imports, with an estimated 60% of its revenue derived from overseas. According to the Publishers Association, in 2024 publishing exports alone contributed an estimated £6.5 billion to the UK economy. Even as digital formats grow, physical book shipments are hard currency. Educational publishers, academic institutions, and retailers still rely heavily on print.

But as trade dynamics evolve, particularly in a post-Brexit environment, publishers are increasingly grappling with logistical and regulatory challenges. Customs clearance, delivery delays, and new tax and compliance obligations are prompting a reassessment of traditional supply chain strategies.

In this article, we examine the pressures that publishers face, exploring ways to mitigate risks and optimise value in the supply chain. We’ll also provide key takeaways to action to help publishers look ahead towards the year’s prime retail seasons.

Under pressure

Publishers are under continual pressure to keep books moving across borders with fewer delays and fewer surprises to meet strict publishing and sales deadlines. But in the meantime, the global publishing supply chain is under rising pressure levels. Increasing transportation costs, shifting consumer demand, supply chain disruptions, and strict publishing deadlines require meticulous coordination.

Lessons from EU membership transitioning

The transition from EU membership has added significant complexity for publishers too, especially when it comes to something known as Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Incoterms, which apply under rules established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

DDP places the onus on the seller for transportation, insurance, export and import formalities and customs duties and taxes and place full responsibility for customs duties, taxes, tariffs, and cross-border delivery on the seller. This shift requires publishers and their logistics partners to develop enhanced expertise in cross-border compliance and to manage the added complexity and costs effectively.

Focus on sustainability has only increased too, with higher fuel prices exacerbating fines and taxes based on emissions. And on top of all that comes the continued impact of a paper shortage that began in 2020, still impacting production – in 2023 alone costs for paper increased by 65% according to Deployteq. Clarity, compliance and fairness across the supply chain are increasingly becoming non-negotiable for players in this market.

Preparing for peak seasons amid geopolitical uncertainty

As global publishers prepare for the year’s prime retail periods, such as back-to-school, Black Friday, Christmas, and the academic new year, they do so in the shadow of mounting geopolitical uncertainty. Shifting international alliances and trade policies are forcing UK publishers to think more strategically about how to protect supply chains and preserve market access.

Securing shipping capacity early and reinforcing DDP compliance are essential to avoid delays and cost shocks, especially in high-volume markets like the US. Diversifying fulfilment through regional hubs or print-on-demand can help publishers reduce reliance on single trade routes and adapt quickly to disruptions.

At the same time, staying agile with forecasting tools, maintaining clear customer communication, and working with logistics partners that offer real-time tracking, customs expertise, and sustainability reporting will help publishers navigate volatility, while meeting growing expectations. Sustainability remains a priority, and transparent logistics operations can help publishers strengthen retailer relationships and brand trust - even in uncertain times.

The future of publishing logistics

In the shifting story of global trade, at Rhenus, we believe the future of publishing logistics will be shaped by a growing focus on sustainability and by building long-term resilience into business operations. Building thoughtful, adaptable supply chains that serve business needs and wider social goals will be key to sustained success. The Rhenus Group’s comprehensive publishing supply chain support, which includes pick and pack and bespoke services, helps items reach their destinations efficiently in major publishing markets around the world, including Europe, the US, India, South Africa, and Australia.

Despite changing trade deals with the likes of Europe and the United States, the Rhenus Group is ideally placed to offer flexible solutions, with expertise allowing for rapid response to changing requirements. Tackling customs challenges and providing an integrated experience for customers is what we pride ourselves on, operating efficiently in more than 70 countries. With the right logistics partner on board, publishers can ensure every book shipped finds its way to the right shelf.