How Much Does It Cost to Print a Book in China?
Book printing in China remains one of the most cost-efficient solutions for publishers worldwide. In 2025, the average printing cost ranges from $1.50 to $6.20 per copy, depending on binding type, print run, paper stock, and finishing.
At SunTop Printing, we combine over 26 years of expertise with advanced Heidelberg and KBA presses to deliver high-quality hardcover, paperback, and children’s books at competitive prices. This guide provides updated pricing references, key cost factors, and practical ways to optimize your budget while maintaining consistent quality for publishing, educational, and children’s titles.
4.9 Rating
Premium Printing
30%–60%
Cost Saving
100–1M+
Quantity Options
6,000+
Clients Served
Book Printing in China: Key Cost Considerations
1. Binding Type
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Hardcover Books: $3.20–$6.20 per unit (200 pages, 6”×9”, sewn binding, with or without dust jacket)
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Paperback Books: $1.60–$3.20 per unit (perfect binding, 4-color CMYK cover)
👉 Higher print run quantities generally lead to lower per-copy costs due to scale efficiencies. Many publishers start with small digital runs and scale to offset for bulk orders.
2. Quantity of Print Run
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500–1,000 pcs (digital): $4.50–$8.50 per book
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2,000–5,000 pcs (offset): $1.90–$3.60 per book
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10,000+ pcs (mass offset): Paperback $1.50–$2.10, Hardcover $2.60–$3.20
👉 Start with smaller batches for test runs, then scale up for cost efficiency.
3. Paper Stock & Finishes
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Paper Stock:
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Art Paper (128–200gsm) for photo books and children’s titles
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Offset Uncoated (80–120gsm) for novels and textbooks
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Eco Options: FSC-certified or recycled papers with minimal cost increase
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Finishes:
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Matte or gloss lamination (standard, included)
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Spot UV, foil stamping, embossing: +$0.20–$0.50 per unit
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Dust jackets: +~$0.50 per copy
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👉 Strategically placing special finishes only on focal areas (covers, title pages) can enhance visual appeal while keeping costs manageable.
4. Number of Pages & Color
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Full-color interiors increase costs by 25–45% compared to black-and-white
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Standard trim sizes (A5, 6”×9”) remain the most economical
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Example: 200-page black-and-white paperback ~ $2.00 per copy in China vs $4.00 in the US
5. Shipping & Logistics
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Sea Freight (DDP): 6–9 weeks
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Air Freight: 7–10 days
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Typical shipping adds $0.20–$1.00 per book depending on volume
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Coverage: US, Canada, Europe, Australia, UK, Singapore
Best Quality Book Printing in China
Digital vs. Offset Printing: What You Need to Know
Best For:
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Digital: Short runs ≤1,000 copies, ideal for urgent or test batches
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Offset: Medium to large runs ≥2,000 copies, cost-effective at scale
Setup Cost:
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Digital: Low setup cost
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Offset: Higher setup cost due to plates and preparation
Unit Price:
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Digital: Higher per piece for small runs
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Offset: Lower per piece at scale
Turnaround Time:
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Digital: 5–7 days
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Offset: 10–15 days
👉 Many publishers start with 500 digital copies, then scale to offset for bulk orders to reduce unit cost while maintaining consistent quality.
How to Optimize Your Book Printing Budget in China
Opt for standard trim sizes like A5 or 6”×9”. This reduces paper waste, shortens setup time, and allows SunTop to deliver high-quality books at a lower unit cost.
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Apply foil, UV, or embossing selectively on covers or title pages. Focused finishing preserves visual impact while keeping production costs manageable.
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Use black-and-white interiors for text-heavy books, and structure page counts divisible by 16 or 32. This optimizes imposition, reduces waste, and lowers overall printing expenses.
Transition to offset printing for orders above 2,000 copies to benefit from lower per-unit costs. Larger print runs leverage scale efficiencies, helping reduce overall production expense. Combine multiple SKUs in one shipment with SunTop’s door-to-door global logistics to further cut costs.
Why SunTop Books Stand Out
Consistent Color, Cover to Cover
With G7® and ISO12647 certified workflows, every page maintains tonal balance and accurate reproduction—vital for illustrated titles, children’s books, and academic publishing.
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Materials That Match Your Vision
Choose from matte, gloss, uncoated, or eco-friendly FSC® papers, paired with premium finishes like spot UV or foil. Each combination is curated to align with your book’s audience and purpose.
2
Flexible Quantities, Professional Results
From small test runs of 500 copies to large offset volumes of 20,000+, we ensure identical quality across formats—perfect for both indie authors and global publishers.
3
Global Delivery, Seamless Experience
We manage door-to-door shipping to the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, the UK, and Singapore, backed by SunTop’s 180-day quality guarantee and responsive prepress support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When planning book printing in China, many publishers and businesses share similar concerns about pricing, minimum order quantities, eco-friendly options, and file preparation. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions to help you better understand the process and make informed decisions.
Q1: What is the average book printing cost in China in 2025?
A: Between $1.50–$6.20 per copy, depending on binding, paper, and print run.
Q2: Can I print a small batch before scaling?
A: Yes. Digital runs from 200–500 copies are available, with seamless offset transition.
Q3: Are eco-friendly papers available?
A: Absolutely. FSC-certified, recycled, and FDA-compliant stocks are offered.
Q4: Do I need to supply a print-ready PDF?
A: We accept print-ready files, but SunTop also provides prepress support (layout, spine, dieline setup).
Let’s Talk About Your Book Printing Needs
We specialize in hardcover, paperback, and children’s books — combining G7® certified color accuracy, ISO 12647 process control, and FSC® certified sustainable papers. With over 26 years of experience, SunTop Printing helps publishers and brands achieve premium quality at competitive cost.
Certified G7® Color Calibration
ISO 12647 Print Process Standard
FSC® Certified Sustainable Materials
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