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BookTok Reacts to Potential Book Price Hikes Amid Tariff Concerns
Concerns are rising among online book enthusiasts, particularly within the BookTok community, regarding potential increases in book prices and access to literature due to tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. These proposed tariffs have sparked worry among avid readers online, igniting discussions about the future affordability of books.
Book Community Expresses Dismay
The BookTok community, a vibrant group of readers on TikTok, has voiced apprehension about potential book price hikes and reports that international booksellers are reconsidering sales to the U.S. as a result of the tariffs. Members have taken to social media to express their concerns and share information about the potential impact on the book industry.
Creator Lia Reads Sounds the Alarm
TikTok creator Lia Reads, whose video explaining the potential impact of tariffs on the book industry has garnered over 600,000 views, stated, “This has gotten so far beyond out of hand, and the book industry is a small industry in the greater world.” Her video has become a focal point for discussion within the online reading community, highlighting the potential ramifications of the tariffs.
Widespread Online Concern
In recent days, numerous BookTok users have posted videos mirroring these concerns about tariffs. Many referenced a November 2024 video from another creator suggesting that a Trump re-election could lead to the resurgence of $10 paperback books. This collective response underscores the widespread anxiety within the BookTok community regarding the future cost of books.
Exemptions and Potential Cost Increases
Currently, print books and children’s picture books are listed among exempted products in a White House announcement from April 2, issued alongside Trump’s executive order. This suggests that items like thin-paper Bibles and baby board books, primarily manufactured overseas, may not be immediately impacted.
However, according to Brian O’Leary, executive director of the Book Industry Study Group, a U.S. trade organization of major book publishers, new tariffs could elevate book manufacturing costs, potentially reducing publisher profit margins and leading to higher retail book prices. This economic analysis raises concerns about the long-term financial implications for both publishers and consumers.
Impact on Raw Materials and Foreign Imports
Although the majority of books sold in the U.S. are printed within the country, essential raw materials and machinery components for printing equipment are imported. In 2023, U.S. paper imports exceeded $409 million, a significant portion of which is used for book printing, with Canada accounting for as much as 73%. This reliance on imported materials makes the book industry vulnerable to changes in trade policy.
In an email, O’Leary explained, “Taken as a whole, these additional duties may increase costs in the short term, as the price of consumables rise.” He added, “In the longer term, tariffs may also affect the cost of domestic manufacturing, if presses become more expensive to purchase and maintain.” These comments suggest a potentially cascading effect of tariffs on various aspects of book production and distribution.
Uncertainty for International Book Purchases
Uncertainty also surrounds the impact of tariffs on U.S. consumers purchasing books from overseas retailers. Some American readers prefer to buy from foreign booksellers due to factors like earlier release dates, exclusive content, and special editions. The tariffs could complicate access to these foreign editions and potentially increase their cost for U.S. buyers.
Waterstones Responds to Customer Concerns
One BookTok user directly addressed the UK-based bookstore Waterstones, saying, “Waterstones, if you see this, can you please make sure I get my signed copy of Katabasis in September please?” referencing the upcoming novel by R.F. Kuang. “I’ll pay the extra money, I don’t care.” This highlights the desire of some readers to obtain specific editions, even if it means paying more due to potential tariffs.
Waterstones clarified in an Instagram post, while promoting a new book release, stating, “Customers in the USA are able to order from us whilst we work on the implications of new tariffs. Any future charges will be indicated at checkout.”
In response to a comment asking about pre-orders placed two months prior, Waterstones replied, “I mean there’s plenty to worry about, in the world, but your order will be fine,” indicating that existing pre-orders would be honored.
As of Monday, Waterstones had not provided further comment upon request.
Politics and the BookTok Community
This tariff concern within the BookTok community coincides with ongoing internal discussions about the intersection of books and politics. Leading up to the election, some BookTok creators advocated for a “politics-free” space. Conversely, figures like best-selling author Jodi Picoult have argued that books are inherently political, pointing to recent book censorship incidents. The debate reflects a broader discussion within online spaces about separating personal interests from political realities.
Author Travel and Broader Concerns
Concurrently with tariff concerns, many readers expressed worry that authors might be less inclined to travel for book tours. This stems from reports of U.S. residents and visitors being detained at U.S. borders, and travel advisories issued by some countries. These anxieties illustrate how broader geopolitical issues are intersecting with the literary world and impacting author appearances and book promotion.
Author Ali Hazelwood Cancels UK Tour
Romance novelist Ali Hazelwood, originally from Italy and currently residing in the U.S., announced the cancellation of her UK book tour in favor of virtual events. In an Instagram post, she cited “complicated reasons” primarily relating to concerns about “safely travel[ing] outside and then back inside the US.” This decision underscores the real-world implications of travel uncertainties on authors and book events.
A representative for Penguin Random House, Hazelwood’s U.S. publisher, declined to comment, informing NBC News via email that Hazelwood preferred not to address the press on this matter.
Rethinking Politics in Book Spaces
BookTok creator Cait, known as Beneath the Covers NYC, highlighted the tariff issue in a video, remarking, “Do you all remember back during the election, when there was this huge hubbub all over Bookstagram, all over BookTok, about how we shouldn’t talk about politics? That books aren’t supposed to be political? Well, you might want to rethink that.” Cait’s statement encapsulates a growing sentiment within the BookTok community: that political and economic policies directly impact their interests as readers and that these issues cannot be easily separated from their passion for books.