The United States Emerges as Leading Arms Exporter, Surpassing Previous Records
The United States has solidified its position as the world’s largest arms exporter, dominating the market between 2020 and 2024 by supplying weapons to 107 countries. This accounts for a significant 43 percent of global arms exports during this period, a notable increase from the previous five years. France follows as the second-largest arms exporter, with a share of 9.6 percent in the same timeframe.
While the United States and France have experienced growth in arms exports, Russia has witnessed a decline in its international sales. This downward trend, which began before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has been attributed to reduced demand from major importers like China and India. Additionally, Russia’s focus on bolstering its domestic arms production has contributed to the decrease in its global market share.
Countries like the United States, France, and Italy have seen an uptick in arms exports, whereas Russia, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Israel have faced declines. The top importers in the arms market in 2020-2024 include Ukraine, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
These trends in global arms trade highlight the shifting dynamics of the industry, with certain countries consolidating their positions as major exporters while others face challenges in maintaining their market share. The data, compiled by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, sheds light on the complex interplay of geopolitical factors influencing arms sales worldwide.