Arms exportsAsia, the Middle East lead rising trend in arms imports, as U.S. arms exports grow significantly
Continuing the upward trend that began in the early 2000s, the volume of international transfers of major weapons in 2013-17 was 10 percent higher than in 2008-12, according to new data on arms transfers. In 2013–17 the United States accounted for 34 percent of total arms exports. Its arms exports increased by 25 percent between 2008–12 and 2013–17. U.S. arms exports in 2013–17 were 58 percent higher than those of Russia—the second largest arms exporter in that period. The United States supplied major arms to 98 states in 2013–17. Exports to states in the Middle East accounted for 49 percent of total US arms exports in that period.
Continuing the upward trend that began in the early 2000s, the volume of international transfers of major weapons in 2013-17 was 10 percent higher than in 2008-12, according to new data on arms transfers published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The flow of arms increased to Asia and Oceania and the Middle East between 2008–12 and 2013–17, while there was a decrease in the flow to Africa, the Americas and Europe. The five biggest exporters—the United States, Russia, France, Germany, and China—together accounted for 74 percent of all arms exports in 2013–17.
“The increased flow of arms raises concerns over their impact on international peace and security,” says Ambassador Jan Eliasson, Chair of the SIPRI Governing Board. ‘It stresses the need to improve and implement international mechanisms such as the Arms Trade Treaty.’
Arms exporters: The U.S. extends its lead
SIPRI says that In 2013–17 the United States accounted for 34 percent of total arms exports. Its arms exports increased by 25 percent between 2008–12 and 2013–17. U.S. arms exports in 2013–17 were 58 percent higher than those of Russia—the second largest arms exporter in that period. The United States supplied major arms to 98 states in 2013–17. Exports to states in the Middle East accounted for 49 percent of total US arms exports in that period.
“Based on deals signed during the Obama administration, U.S. arms deliveries in 2013–17 reached their highest level since the late 1990s,” said Aude Fleurant, director of the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme. “These deals and further major contracts signed in 2017 will ensure that the United States remains the largest arms exporter in the coming years.”
Arms exports by Russia decreased by 7.1 percent between 2008–12 and 2013–17. France increased its arms exports by 27 percent between the two periods and was the third largest arms exporter in 2013–17. Arms exports by Germany—the fourth largest exporter in 2013–17—fell by 14 percent between 2008–12 and 2013–17. However, German arms exports to the Middle East increased by 109 percent.
