HS Code:
Semiautomatic pistols, classified under HS Code 9302.00 (which includes revolvers and pistols), are firearms designed to fire a single shot with each pull of the trigger, automatically loading the next round from a magazine. This category encompasses a wide range of handguns used for personal defense, law enforcement, military purposes, and sporting activities. Global trade in semiautomatic pistols is heavily regulated due to security concerns, with significant variations in import/export laws across countries. The trade is influenced by geopolitical factors, domestic gun control policies, and demand from both civilian and governmental sectors.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$450 million USD
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$180 million USD
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
10.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
30% (imposed by certain countries with strict gun control policies, e.g., India)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or in countries with minimal firearm restrictions, e.g., within certain EU member states)
Rising demand in civilian markets
Increased exports to countries with growing personal defense markets, particularly in the U.S. and Latin America, driven by rising crime rates and relaxed gun ownership laws in some regions.
2021-2022
Technological advancements in firearm design
Manufacturers are focusing on lightweight materials, enhanced safety features, and smart gun technologies, leading to higher value per unit and shifts in trade patterns towards premium products.
2020-2022
Stricter regulations in key markets
Countries like Canada and Australia have tightened import laws, reducing trade volumes in these regions while pushing manufacturers to explore emerging markets in Asia and Africa.
2019-2022
The U.S. Department of Commerce transferred oversight of certain firearm exports from the State Department to Commerce, simplifying export procedures for semiautomatic pistols to allied countries.
March 2020
Increased export volumes from the U.S. to NATO countries and other allies, boosting trade by approximately 10% in 2021-2022.
The European Union updated its firearms directive to impose stricter controls on the import and circulation of semiautomatic pistols, including mandatory tracing and enhanced background checks.
June 2021
Reduced intra-EU trade and increased compliance costs for manufacturers and exporters, particularly impacting German and Italian producers.
Brazil eased restrictions on firearm ownership and imports under new legislation, leading to a surge in demand for semiautomatic pistols from domestic and international suppliers.
January 2019 (ongoing updates through 2022)
Significant growth in imports from the U.S. and Italy, with Brazil emerging as a key market in Latin America.