Imports of Handguns Rose a Record-Breaking 94% in 2020

Austria was the largest supplier of this type of weapon to Brazil last year

São Paulo

Imports of handguns to Brazil broke the record last year, according to data from the Ministry of Economy. In total, 105,900 weapons were purchased in 2020, compared to 54,600 in the previous year, an increase of 94%.

These imports amounted to US$29.3 million, while in the previous year it was US$21.3 million. The numbers include both purchases by governments and ordinary citizens.

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SÃO PAULO, SP, BRASIL: Imports of handguns rose a record-breaking 94% in 2020 (Foto: Jardiel Carvalho/Folhapress) - Folhapress

Austria was the main arms supplier to Brazil, selling 85,800 products. In second position was the United States, with 14,100 pistols and revolvers. Czech Republic, Slovenia and Israel appear lower on the list.

Most of the weapons (74,500) arrived in Brazil via Guarulhos International Airport, in São Paulo.

Since 2018, the number of imported weapons has grown exponentially. Purchasing from other countries began to expand further under the government of Jair Bolsonaro (no party). Until 2018, arms imports were prohibited when similar products manufactured in Brazil existed.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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