The US has increased its global share of arms exports to 37% during the last five years, according to a Sweden-based research institute.
Increased exports by the US, France and Germany were offset by declining Russian and Chinese exports.
Imports and exports remain close to their highest level since the end of the cold war, although this may change from the impact of the pandemic.
The biggest growth in arms imports was seen in the Middle East.
“It is too early to say whether the period of rapid growth in arms transfers of the past two decades is over,” said Pieter Wezeman, a senior researcher with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) who collected the data.
“The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic could see some countries reassessing their arms imports in the coming years.
“However, at the same time, even at the height of the pandemic in 2020, several countries signed large contracts for major arms.”
International arms sales remained stable between 2016 and 2020 compared to the previous five years, Sipri said.
Almost half (47%) of US arms exports went to the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for 24% of total US arms exports.
The US is now supplying arms to 96 states while increasing its global share of arms sales during the five year period.
France increased its exports of major arms by 44%, while Germany expanded its exports by 21%.
Israel and South Korea both significantly increased their exports, although both remain relatively small players in arms exports.
(Source: International agencies)
