In a landmark decision aimed at bolstering literacy rates, Denmark's government announced the elimination of a steep 25% sales tax on books. Culture Minister Jacob Engel-Schmidt emphasized the urgency of addressing the "reading crisis," noting that a staggering quarter of 15-year-olds in Denmark are unable to comprehend simple texts, according to OECD data.
With the tax repeal expected to cost the nation approximately 330 million kroner (around $50 million), Engel-Schmidt expressed his pride in the initiative as a means to make literature more accessible and encourage a culture of reading among young people. He stated, “Massive money should be spent on investing in the consumption and culture” of Denmark.
Comparatively, neighboring Nordic countries like Finland, Sweden, and Norway maintain lower VAT rates on books at 14%, 6%, and 0% respectively, while the UK also exempts books from VAT. Mads Rosendahl Thomsen, vice-chair of the government’s literature working group, pointed out concerning trends in reading and comprehension among Danish teens. He remarked, “At 15, the ability to understand a text is pretty important,” referencing OECD findings that expose the challenges young people face amid digital distractions.
While the government acknowledges that scrapping the tax won’t resolve the issue entirely, it aims to make books more affordable and accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, the literature working group is exploring strategies to promote Danish literature abroad, modernize the book market through digital means, and assess the implications for authors' earnings.
With the tax repeal expected to cost the nation approximately 330 million kroner (around $50 million), Engel-Schmidt expressed his pride in the initiative as a means to make literature more accessible and encourage a culture of reading among young people. He stated, “Massive money should be spent on investing in the consumption and culture” of Denmark.
Comparatively, neighboring Nordic countries like Finland, Sweden, and Norway maintain lower VAT rates on books at 14%, 6%, and 0% respectively, while the UK also exempts books from VAT. Mads Rosendahl Thomsen, vice-chair of the government’s literature working group, pointed out concerning trends in reading and comprehension among Danish teens. He remarked, “At 15, the ability to understand a text is pretty important,” referencing OECD findings that expose the challenges young people face amid digital distractions.
While the government acknowledges that scrapping the tax won’t resolve the issue entirely, it aims to make books more affordable and accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, the literature working group is exploring strategies to promote Danish literature abroad, modernize the book market through digital means, and assess the implications for authors' earnings.
