Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 2000-2007: Summary

Developing nations continue to be the primary focus of foreign arms sales activity by weapons suppliers. During the years 2000-2007, the value of arms transfer agreements with developing nations comprised 66.6% of all such agreements worldwide. More recently, arms transfer agreements with developing nations constituted 67.7% of all such agreements globally from 2004-2007, and 70.5% of these agreements in 2007.>> The value of all arms transfer agreements with developing nations in 2007 was nearly $42.3 billion. This was an increase from $38.1 billion in 2006.>> In 2007, the value of all arms deliveries to developing nations was $17.2 billion, the lowest total in these deliveries values for the entire 2000-2007 period (in constant 2007 dollars).>> Recently, from 2004-2007, the United States and Russia have dominated the arms market in the developing world, with both nations either ranking first or second for 3 out of 4 years in the value of arms transfer agreements. From 2004-2007, Russia made nearly $39.3 billion, 27.9% of all such agreements, expressed in constant 2007 dollars.>> During this same period, the United States made $34.7 billion in such agreements, 24.6% of all such agreements. Collectively, the United States and Russia made 52.5% of all arms transfer agreements with developing nations during this four-year period.>> In 2007, the United States ranked first in arms transfer agreements with developing nations with $12.2 billion or 28.8% of these agreements. The United Kingdom was second with $9.8 billion or 23.2% of such agreements. Russia was third with $9.7 billion or 23%.