Overall music sales declined by US$1.3 billion in 2009, but digital downloads grew $363 million to $4.3 billion. And Apple’s iTunes represented more than a quarter of total digital and retail U.S. sales, notes “AppleInsider” (http://www.appleinsider.com)
The figures come from a new Recording Industry in Numbers report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. As reported by paidcontent.co.uk, global digital music sales grew 9.2% in 2009, and now make up over a quarter of total music income. This as the worldwide market decreased by 7.2%o $17 billion.
However, digital sales were pretty much flat in the U.S.. There was only 1.1% year-over-year growth in 2009. Domestically, iTunes represents more than a quarter of all music sales, both digital and retail.