The value of the civil firearms industry in Europe was quantified by the socio-economic study entitled 'The Firearms and Ammunition Sector for Sporting, Hunting, and Civilian Use in Europe', conducted by the Italian University of Urbino "Carlo Bo".
The results show that the sector, including related services, supply chains and induced effects, generates an annual value of €180 billion, representing an average of 0.99% of Europe's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In total, more than 1.12 million employees are involved in the 30 countries analysed, including all EU Member States, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.
Concerning the European firearms and ammunition industry for civil and sporting use in particular, the study reveals that the sector employs around 80,000 people and generates an annual turnover of approximately €12 billion (also taking into account the components industry and ancillary firearms sectors).
The socio-economic impact of civil firearms and ammunition market
The data were shared during the event held at the European Parliament in Brussels entitled "The socio-economic impact of hunting, sports shooting, and the related sectors in Europe". The meeting was attended by the MEP Isabel Benjumea, Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Intergroup "Biodiversity, Hunting and Contryside".
One of the five authors of the study, Prof. Fabio Musso, said: "Building on the positive experience of a similar study previously conducted in Italy, we decided to undertake a larger project aimed at analysing the socio-economic impact of the firearms, civilian ammunition and related sectors at European level. The result is a unique study that provides an in-depth assessment of the entire sector and its value in terms of turnover and employment."
One of the five authors of the study, Prof. Fabio Musso, said: "Building on the successful experience of a similar study conducted previously in Italy, we decided to embark on a more far-reaching project aimed at analysing the socio-economic impact of the civil firearms and ammunition sectors at European level. The result is a one-of-a-kind study, which provides a thorough assessment of the whole sector and its value in terms of turnover and employment."
"These data unequivocally confirm that our sector is not only a cultural and sporting tradition rooted in Europe, but also a major economic driver," commented Andrea Andreani, the newly-elected President of ANPAM, the Italian National Association of Manufacturers of Arms and Ammunition. "We are proud that, once again, studies conducted by the University of Urbino, attest to the role of excellence that the Italian arms and ammunition industry plays on international markets, confirming it as one of the most prestigious expressions of Made in Italy. This is why we trust that the European institutions will support the sector as it deserves."
Thierry Jacobs, AFEMS President, stated: "We thank the University of Urbino for such groundbreaking research shedding light on the significant socio-economic impact of our sector in Europe. We believe it is of fundamental importance having a better understanding of the weight of the sector as a whole, which contributes almost 1% to the GDP of Europe. This is something that European Institutions should acknowledge and take into account."
Luciano Rossi, ISSF President, added: "We are very pleased with this new study that shows the economic value of sports shooting. I particularly appreciate the holistic approach taken by authors of the study, because sports shooting and sports shooters are part of and connected to a successful industry and a strong shooting community."
Ms. Bertille Seive, IEACS President, highlighted that “There are many already existing studies conducted at national level on the socio-economic impact of our sector; however, unlike this study, they often differ from one another in both the scope and the methodology applied. This is certainly what makes the research by the University of Urbino rather unique."
For years, the University of Urbino "Carlo Bo" has set itself the objective of analysing the civil firerarms sector, with regard to the production of firearms and ammunition for sporting, hunting and personal defense use from the point of view of the production and distribution system. This makes it possible to measure its economic value in terms of turnover and added value; and to estimate the positive impact on the entire system.
The volume including the complete study can be found at this link:https://www.francoangeli.it/Libro/The-Firearms-and-Ammunition-Sector-for-Sporting,-Hunting-and-Civilian-Use-in-Europe?Id=29840
