Christian Trade Association International (CTAI) has reported that Christian product sales continue to grow in double digits in many parts of the world despite the global economic downturn.

One major Nigerian distributor told CTAI that his company's sales were up 40% over last year. "We see the world economic news and are amazed how little it is impacting sales of Christian resources in Nigeria," he said. "That's why I and many of my fellow Nigerians will be at Marketsquare International. We are ready to buy the products that we are selling out of."

CTAI's second annual Marketsquare International is to be held Jan. 15-17 in Atlanta. CTAI will pay the first night's lodging for the first 100 international buyers who register by Dec. 23 and book a room at the Atlanta Sheraton Gateway Hotel.

A South African publisher told CTAI that his company's sales were up 30% this year, while a large Brazilian publisher said his company's sales were up 26% for 2008.

"Certainly the current economic struggles have impacted the world," CTAI President Jim Powell said. "But Christian product sales can be anti-cycle—rising when secular sales fall. For many, domestic sales are slowing, but (international sales) represent a growing segment in the market. … God is increasing the distribution of life-transforming products and resources that honor Him."

Marketsquare International, which drew 300-plus attendees from 22 countries to Toronto in January, will offer inspirational events, training for publishers, distributors and booksellers, as well as an exhibition area for products and translation-rights sales. For more information about Marketsquare International, visit www.ChristianTrade.com.

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