USITC Firearms and Ammuntion Import Data for May 2012

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NSSF reports that overall U.S. imports (in units) in six sporting arms and ammunition categories increased 38.7 percent in May 2012 compared to May 2011. May 2012 imported units in tracked categories totaled 248.7 million, up from 179.4 million reported in May 2011.

  • Handgun imports increased 73.2 percent from 148,485 to 257,220 units. Within the handgun category, Pistol import units increased 68.0 percent from 135,199 to 227,190 units while imported Revolver units rose 126.0 percent from 13,286 to 30,030 units.
  • Rifle imports were up 143.4 percent from 39,728 to 96,701 units. As of May 10, 2012, this category has been adjusted to exclude HTS codes 9303304010 & 9303308005 (Telescopic Sights Imported with Rifles).
    • Telescopic Sights Imported with Rifles (HTS codes 9303304010 and HTS 9303308005, defined as telescopic sights or other optical devices suitable for use with arms, if mounted on a firearm or entered with the firearm on which they are designed to be mounted) increased 58.2 percent from 3,096 units to to 4,898.
  • Shotgun category posted a 13.4 percent decrease in imported units from 59,697 to 51,696.
  • Muzzleloader category rose 39.3 percent from 12,453 to 17,345 units.
  • Other Cartridges (excluding Shotgun cartridges) category increased 39.1 percent from 170.7 million to 237.4 million units.
  • Shotgun Cartridges category increased 29.0 percent rising to 10.9 million units as compared to last years 8.4 million.

Source: U.S. International Trade Commission

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USITC Firearms and Ammuntion Export Data for May 2012

NSSF reports that overall U.S. exports (in units) in six sporting arms and ammunition categories decreased 0.5 percent in May 2012 compared to May 2011. May 2012 exported units in tracked categories totaled 68.5 million, down from 68.8 million reported in May 2011.

  • Handgun exports increased 115.5 percent from 21,786 to 46,079 units. Within the handgun category, Pistol export units increased 118.1 percent from 20,120 to 43,872 units while imported Revolver units rose 32.5 percent from 1,666 to 2,207 units.
  • Rifle exports were up 27.8 percent from 24,051 to 30,739 units.
    • Telescopic Sights for Rifles (HTS code 9013102000, which includes military use) dropped 11.3 percent from 34,223 units to 30,369.
  • Shotgun category posted an 11.7 percent decrease in exported units from 16,832 to 14,871.
  • Muzzleloader category declined 54.5 percent from 1,594 to 725 units exported.
  • Other Cartridges (excluding Shotgun cartridges) category dropped 2.4 percent from 64.5 million to 63.0 million units exported.
  • Shotgun Cartridges category increased 28.1 percent rising to 5.4 million units as compared to last years 4.2 million.

Source: U.S. International Trade Commission

Additional firearm import/export data is available to NSSF members by logging in and clicking NSSF Industry Research then Monthly Firearm Import/Export Data.