Argentina eyes end to fixed book prices, sparking industry fears

Argentina's government is pushing to abolish the fixed public sale price for books, a move that has alarmed the nation's publishing industry. The proposal, part of a broad deregulation bill sent to the presidency, aims to remove restrictions and foster competition.

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This regulation is not a simple commercial mechanism: it is the backbone that guarantees bibliographic diversity, equitable competition conditions, and the survival of independent bookstores in every corner of our territory.

The Chamber of the Book and the El Libro Foundation, which organizes the Buenos Aires International Book Fair, have issued strong warnings. They argue that the current law, supported by the entire book sector for over two decades, is crucial for maintaining bibliographic diversity, ensuring fair competition, and supporting independent bookstores across the country.

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The project aims to make books more accessible to readers. To achieve this, it eliminates a restriction that today prevents bookstores from competing on prices through discounts, promotions, or other commercial strategies.

However, the Ministry of State Transformation, led by Federico Sturzenegger, contends that the reform will make books more accessible. Officials state the current price-fixing prevents bookstores from offering discounts and promotions, and that increased competition will lead to better prices for consumers. They point to the United Kingdom's experience after removing its fixed price system in 1995, claiming it led to an increase in published titles without harming bookstores.

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When there is more competition, consumers have more options and better prices. International experience supports this approach.

The ministry insists the bill does not aim to eliminate publishers, bookstores, or copyright. Instead, it seeks to remove a "prohibition on competing on price." The El Libro Foundation, however, views bookstores as cultural heritage, not mere merchandise points, and fears the deregulation will threaten the rich and historically significant network of Argentine bookstores.

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In the United Kingdom, after eliminating the fixed price system in 1995, not only did bookstores and publishing production not disappear, but the number of published titles increased.