The Danish government has taken a major step to combat its “reading crisis” by announcing the removal of a 25% sales tax on books, one of the highest in the world. Culture Minister Jacob Engel-Schmidt believes that eliminating this tax will encourage greater book consumption among Danes, stating that he is "incredibly proud" of this decision. The initiative is projected to cost the state around 330 million kroner (approximately $50 million or £38 million) annually.
According to the OECD, a quarter of Danish 15-year-olds struggle with comprehending simple texts, leading to concerns over declining literacy rates. Engel-Schmidt remarked that the “reading crisis has unfortunately been spreading in recent years.” He asserted the need to invest significantly in Danish culture and literature.
Other Nordic countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Norway apply lower VAT rates on books—14%, 6%, and 0%, respectively—while the UK exempt books from VAT altogether. Mads Rosendahl Thomsen, vice-chair of the government’s literature working group, pointed out the concerning trend of declining reading and comprehension among teenagers, attributing it to distractions from numerous entertainment options. He acknowledged that removing the VAT on books alone is not a complete solution, but it will indeed enhance accessibility for potential readers.
The working group is also exploring additional strategies to bolster the reading culture, including the promotion of Danish literature abroad, digitalisation efforts within the book market, and considerations regarding authors' compensation. The Danish government remains committed to fostering a vibrant reading environment for its citizens.
