Manga and Anime Licensing Market With US Tariff Impact Analysis

Ketan Mahajan
Ketan Mahajan

Updated · Apr 22, 2025

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The global manga and anime licensing market is expected to experience substantial growth, reaching USD 58.2 billion by 2034, up from USD 20.3 billion in 2024, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1%. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region dominates the market, holding over 45% of the market share, generating USD 9.1 billion in 2024.

Anime licensing leads the market, accounting for 60% of the share due to its commercial adaptability, while digital platforms such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime Video play a crucial role in content dissemination, capturing 40% of the market share. The commercial segment remains dominant with 75% of the market, driven by extensive licensing agreements across broadcast, retail, and gaming sectors.

Manga and Anime Licensing Market

US Tariff Impact on Market

The imposition of U.S. tariffs, particularly on Japanese imports, has had an impact on the manga and anime licensing market. Tariffs on merchandise and media products have increased production costs for licensed anime and manga-related goods, which could lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers.

This price increase could dampen the demand for anime and manga products, especially in price-sensitive markets. Furthermore, U.S. distributors and retailers relying on Japanese content may face challenges in securing affordable licensing agreements, as the cost of imports rises.

However, U.S. distributors may attempt to mitigate these impacts by negotiating new agreements, increasing digital content licensing, and focusing on domestic production of anime-related merchandise, which could partially offset the tariff-related challenges. Over time, as the market continues to grow, the long-term outlook remains positive.

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  • Economic Impact: U.S. tariffs increase production costs for anime and manga-related merchandise, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers and reducing demand.
  • Geographical Impact: U.S. distributors are facing higher licensing and importation costs, impacting their profit margins and the overall affordability of manga and anime products in the U.S.
  • Business Impact: Increased costs may lead to fewer affordable licensing deals or higher product prices, which could limit the potential for growth in the U.S. anime and manga markets.
US Tariff Impact Analysis in 2025

Impact Percentage on Sectors

  • Anime and Manga Merchandise: +8-10%
  • Content Licensing Agreements: +5-7%

Key Takeaways

  • The manga and anime licensing market is projected to grow to USD 58.2 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 11.1%.
  • The Asia-Pacific region dominates the market with over 45% of the share in 2024.
  • Anime licensing, with 60% market share, is the dominant segment, outpacing manga licensing.
  • Digital platforms and commercial end-users are crucial drivers of market growth.
  • U.S. tariffs are impacting the affordability of manga and anime products, particularly merchandise and licensing agreements.

Analyst Viewpoint

The manga and anime licensing market is thriving, driven by increased global demand, especially through digital platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll. While U.S. tariffs on Japanese imports may cause short-term challenges by increasing costs for merchandise and licensing agreements, the market is poised for long-term growth due to the increasing popularity of anime and manga globally.

The expansion of digital streaming services, especially in the U.S. and Europe, will continue to drive market growth, making anime and manga more accessible to wider audiences. The market’s positive trajectory remains intact, with key opportunities emerging in digital licensing and global distribution.

Regional Analysis

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region holds a dominant market position, representing over 45% of the global manga and anime licensing market share in 2024. APAC’s strong presence is due to the widespread popularity of anime and manga in countries like Japan, South Korea, and China, where much of the content is created and consumed.

The region benefits from a robust entertainment ecosystem, with major streaming platforms and broadcast networks dedicated to anime. Meanwhile, North America is seeing a significant rise in demand, fueled by streaming platforms and retail distribution, contributing to the overall global growth. Europe also shows strong growth potential, with increasing anime viewership and rising licensing opportunities.

➤ What’s the U.S. tariff impact here?

Business Opportunities

The manga and anime licensing market presents substantial business opportunities, particularly in digital content distribution through streaming platforms. Companies can expand their market presence by securing licensing agreements with platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime Video, which are key players in content dissemination.

Additionally, the commercial sector, which captures 75% of the market share, offers extensive licensing opportunities across retail, broadcast, e-commerce, and gaming. As anime and manga content gains more global traction, there are opportunities for companies to diversify their offerings by focusing on merchandise, video games, and virtual products. The increasing demand for anime and manga content in the West further provides opportunities for Asian creators and distributors to expand their reach.

Key Segmentation

The global manga and anime licensing market is segmented as follows:

  • Content Type: Anime Licensing, Manga Licensing
  • Platform Type: Digital Platforms, Broadcast Networks, Retail
  • End-User: Commercial (Retail, Broadcast, E-commerce, Gaming), Individual Consumers
  • Region: Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Rest of the World

Anime licensing holds 60% of the market share due to its commercial adaptability, while digital platforms lead with a 40% share, driving significant growth in global distribution. The commercial end-user segment remains dominant, contributing 75% of the market.

Key Player Analysis

Key players in the manga and anime licensing market are focusing on securing partnerships with global digital streaming platforms and broadcasters. These companies are expanding their portfolios by negotiating licensing agreements for anime content across various platforms. As streaming services continue to rise in popularity, these players are investing in content creation and distribution, especially for exclusive shows and films.

Additionally, companies are strengthening their focus on merchandise licensing, collaborating with e-commerce giants to expand product availability and enhance the consumer experience. U.S.-based distributors are adapting to tariff-related challenges by negotiating new terms with content creators and exploring alternative sources of supply.

Top Key Players in the Market

  • Bandai Namco
  • Good Smile Company
  • Kotobukiya
  • Taito Corporation
  • Tokyo Otaku Mode
  • Aoshima
  • SuperGroupies
  • Penguin Parade
  • Alter
  • Megahouse
  • Banpresto
  • Funko
  • Figuarts (S.H. Figuarts)
  • Other Key Players

Recent Developments

Recent developments in the manga and anime licensing market include increased digital content licensing agreements with major streaming platforms, allowing anime creators to reach wider global audiences. Additionally, merchandise licensing has seen significant growth, driven by partnerships with global e-commerce platforms, expanding the availability of anime-related products worldwide.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the manga and anime licensing market is set for substantial growth, with digital platforms and the commercial sector leading the way. While U.S. tariffs on imports may impact the affordability of anime and manga products, the overall outlook remains positive.

The continued rise of streaming services and global demand for anime and manga content ensures that the market will continue its upward trajectory, with significant opportunities emerging across various segments.

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Ketan Mahajan

Ketan Mahajan

Hey! I am Ketan, working as a DME/SEO having 5+ Years of experience in this field leads to building new strategies and creating better results. I am always ready to contribute knowledge and that sounds more interesting when it comes to positive/negative outcomes.

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