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Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2019
The volume of international transfers of major arms in 2015–19 was 5.5 per cent higher than in 2010–14 and 20 per cent higher than in 2005–2009. The five largest exporters in 2015–19 were the United States, Russia, France, Germany and China. The five largest importers were Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, Australia and China. Between 2010–14 and 2015–19, there were increases in arms transfers to the Middle East and to Europe, while there were decreases in the transfers to Africa, the Americas and Asia and Oceania.
From 9 March 2020 the freely accessible SIPRI Arms Transfers Database includes updated data on arms transfers for 1950–2019. Based on the new data, this Fact Sheet presents global trends in arms exports and arms imports and highlights selected issues related to arms transfers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S)/EDITORS
Pieter D. Wezeman is a Senior Researcher in the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme.
Dr Aude Fleurant was a Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme.
Alexandra Kuimova Alexandra Kuimova is a Researcher with UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme. She was previously a Researcher with the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme.
Dr Diego Lopes da Silva is a Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme.
Dr Nan Tian is a Senior Researcher and Programme Director of the SIPRI Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme.
Siemon T. Wezeman is a Senior Researcher in the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme.