New York, Jul 9 2009 5:10PM
The value of the global trade in small arms and light weapons is
estimated to have risen by 28 per cent between 2000 and 2006 to reach
$2.9 billion, according to United Nations customs data presented in
the 2009 edition of the Small Arms Survey.
The annual report, published by the Geneva Graduate Institute of
International and Development Studies, says the demand for guns in the
United States remains the key driver of trade in small arms.
"The United States continues to drive the global small arms trade,
remaining the largest importer of pistols and revolvers, sporting
shotguns, and small-calibre ammunition. Greater demand for small arms
in the United States was responsible for 48 per cent of the worldwide
increase in imports from 2000 to 2006," states a press release issued
in Geneva.
The top exporters of small arms include the US, Italy, Germany and
Brazil, with the US also leading the list of importers, followed by
Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and Germany, according to the report which is
based information from 53 countries.
"Current data shows that the global trade in small arms and light
weapons is robust and even expanding, and that handguns are driving
it," said Small Arms Survey Programme Director Keith Krause.
"We don't know whether these weapons are destined for civilians,
police, or military forces. But it is striking that handguns have
outpaced all other small arms and light weapons over the period," he
added.
The report also includes a section on post-conflict situations that
highlights case studies of Aceh (Indonesia), Afghanistan, and southern
Lebanon.
Jul 9 2009 5:10PM
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