The total revenue in external trade services in cultural and creative industries was 19.6 billion ISK in 2024. Audio-and visual services had by far the highest amount of revenue, 13.1 billion ISK. Information services had 5.7 billion ISK, and copyright payments had 761.9 million ISK. Architectural services did not have any available data for the years 2023 and 2024 and therefore are not included in the calculations.
Over a five-year period, 2020-2024, the external trade revenue in the cultural and creative industries increased by 161.8%, and the average increase was 21.2% per year. In comparison, the total increase for all external trade over the same period was 159.0%, with an average of 21.0% per year. The largest increase was for audio and visual services, 226.4% and 26.7% on average per year.
About the data
External trade in services in the cultural and creative industries is based on statistics on service exports by category. Four service categories were selected that reflect exports of cultural and creative industries. They are as follows:
Copyright payments: Copyright includes the recognised rights to reproduce and/or distribute visual and audio material, such as films and music, works of writers, artists and sculptors, through licensing agreements. It also includes rights related to the reproduction and/or distribution of recordings of live performances and radio or television broadcasts.
Other information services: Other information services include database services, such as data storage, distribution, design and dissemination of data, including files and mailing lists. This category also includes subscription fees to newspapers and magazines and library and archive services.
Audio and visual services: Services related to visual and audio content include royalties for the production of films, radio and television programs, and music recordings. Services related to theater, concerts, and sporting events are also included here, as well as royalties for subscription television.
Architectural services: Architectural services include businesses related to the design of structures.
Cultural indicators (in Icelandic)