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Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2018
The volume of international transfers of major arms in 2014–18 was 7.8 per cent higher than in 2009–13 and 23 per cent higher than in 2004–2008. The five largest exporters in 2014–18 were the United States, Russia, France, Germany and China. The five largest importers were Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, Australia and Algeria.
The flow of arms to the Middle East increased by 87 per cent between 2009–13 and 2014–18, while there was a decrease in flows to all other regions.
From 11 March 2019 the freely accessible SIPRI Arms Transfers Database includes updated data on arms transfers for 1950–2018. Based on the new data, this Fact Sheet highlights global and regional trends and 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 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.