Global Arms Trade Continues to Rise despite RecessionMarch 17, 2010

 

Despite the economic turbulence of the last two years, the volume of international sales of conventional weapons grew by 22% between 2005 and 2009 compared to the 2000 to 2004 period, according to a report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Because arms sales can vary dramatically from one year to the next, SIPRI employs a methodology that uses a five-year moving average.

The biggest dealers during the 2005 to 2009 period were the United States, Russia, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The U.S. and Russia, however, remain by far the largest exporters, accounting for 30% and 23% of all exports, respectively. The main buyers over the period were China, India, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and Greece.

Additional highlights from the report are as follows over the two periods:

  • Combat aircraft accounted for 27% of the volume of international arms sales.
  • Combat aircraft and associated components accounted for 48% of U.S. sales. Asia accounted for 69% of Russian arms exports.
  • German arms exports jumped more than 100% over the measurement period, with the country's global market growing from 6% to 11%.
  • Armored vehicles accounted for 27% of German arms sales.
  • France's volume increased by almost 30% in 2005-2009 compared to 2000-2004.
  • The UK sales volume slipped about 13%.
  • Latin America accounted for 11% of global arms imports during 2005-2009, a 150% increase over the 2000 to 2004 period.