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The value of the global trade in small arms and light
weapons is estimated to have risen by 28% between 2000
and 2006, thus reaching $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
force driving the trade of small arms.
“The United States continues to drive the global small
arms trade, remaining the largest importer of pistols,
revolvers, sporting shotguns, and small-calibre
ammunition. Greater demand for small arms in the United
States was responsible for 48% of the worldwide increase
in imports from 2000 to 2006”, according to the press
release issued in Geneva.
Recent Figures
According to The Economist, gun sales surged in
America after the inauguration of Barack Obama. Due to
fear among gun lovers concerning the new presidents
voting record in raising taxes on firearms, there has
been a 500% increase in the sale of ammunition.
Data released by the FBI’s National Instant Criminal
Background Check System, reported in April 2009 a sixth
monthly increase and a 30.3% increase from April of the
previous year.
Some gun-owners are of the opinion that the president is
soft on crime, and there are fears that the tumbling
economy will bring about social collapse. Some are
worried about looting, “people want to be ready and
armed” says one gun shop owner.
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 on data 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 Indonesia,
Afghanistan, and southern Lebanon.
Swisslatin
/ Alberto Dufey
(13.07.2009) |
