Consumer Affairs Commission

ALL MEDIA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUST 18, 2023

 School Textbooks increase by an average 9 percent.

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) conducted its annual school textbook survey during the period July 24-31, 2023. A sample of fifty eight (58) bookstores were visited, however data was obtained from 57 outlets: 20 were in the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area (GKMR) and 37 in Rural Towns. A total of 175 popular textbooks were surveyed, consisting of one hundred and four (104) secondary level, fifty-nine (59) primary level and twelve (12) infant level textbooks covering nineteen (19) subject areas.

Summary of Findings:

On average, the prices of school textbooks increased by 9% overall when compared to last year. The average price increase in the GKMR was 9% and 8% among rural towns. The average price of books increased between 1% and 10%, followed by 17% of textbooks which increased between 11% and 20%.

On average, there was a 31% difference between the highest and lowest price observed for textbooks islandwide, except for literature novels, where the average difference was 75%. This was due to differences in the cover (hard /soft), publishers and sources.

Within the GKMR and among Rural Towns however, the average difference in prices was 12% and 28% respectively, among all textbooks, except for literature novels, where the difference between the highest and lowest price was on average 49% and 62% respectively.Infant level textbooks were widely available in over 79% of outlets surveyed. Primary level texts were readily available (in over 50% of outlets surveyed), except for Grade 6 books which were available in 46% of outlets. Literature Novels were available in 48% of outlets; however, Grades 7-9 and CSEC/CAPE books were available in 34% and 30% of outlets surveyed respectively.

Economic Context:

The latest data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica on inflation indicate that the Point-to-Point inflation rate for the period of July 2022 - July 2023 was 6.6%.

Since the last survey in August 2022, the Jamaican dollar has undergone fluctuations against its major counterparts. It ultimately depreciated by 1.95% when compared to the US Dollar, moving from a monthly average rate of J$152.89: US$1.00 to J$155.41: US$1.00. Similarly, in comparison to the British Pound, the Jamaican Dollar depreciated in value by 9.97%, moving from a monthly average rate of J$182.11: GBP £1.00 to J$200.26: GBP £1.00.

Guidelines for Parents

It should be noted that more bookstores have increased their use of technology to communicate with consumers through the use of apps like WhatsApp messaging. Consumers were also directed to use social media and webpages for price enquiry and order placement; with the option to either collect the books at the store or have them delivered. Parents and guardians are therefore encouraged to use the available online options.

The CAC also encourages consumers to shop around and take advantage of lower priced old stock and discounts where they exist. Membership discounts were also available at some locations as well as layaway plans. Some bookstores offer second-hand ‘almost new’ books at lower prices which can be another way for parents to cut costs. Parents are encouraged to check with the schools to ensure the books are still relevant, especially as it relates to the correct edition of each text and in keeping with the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) curriculum. They should also confirm with bookstores if the texts on the shelves are the latest or current edition. Parents are advised to closely examine workbooks and student books with similar covers before purchase.

For more information contact:
Consumer Affairs Commission
Communications Unit
34 Trafalgar Road
Kingston 10
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
876-6194222-30
www.cac.gov.jm