The Netherlands, explained in English · Thursday 8 October 2026

Economy

Regulator finds secondary school textbook market works poorly

The ACM has found that the market for secondary school teaching materials does not function well, in a market where three large publishers dominate and prices are high.

The market for secondary school textbooks and teaching materials does not function well. That is the finding of the ACM, the Dutch consumer and market regulator.

Three large publishers dominate the market. Their market power keeps prices high.

Schools have complained for years that the market does not function well. The ACM has now reached the same finding.