The United States is home to over 3,700 active, federally licensed firearm manufacturing facilities, according to the latest available data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Nearly 13.4 million pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns came out of these plants in 2022 alone — but despite the size and output of America’s arms industry, a meaningful share of guns sold in the U.S. were imported from abroad.
24/7 Wall St. Key Points:
The majority of the millions of firearms sold in the U.S. every year were also manufactured in the United States.
Still, certain countries are home to firearm brands that have a loyal following among Americans, and these places have exported thousands of firearms to the U.S. in recent years.
ATF data shows that over 198 million guns were sold in the U.S. between 2010 and 2023, and about 35% of them were imported. Imported firearms over the last 14 years include about 12.7 million rifles, 13.5 million shotguns, and nearly 44 million handguns. The vast majority of these firearms came from just a small handful of foreign countries home to arms industries which, while smaller than that of the U.S., manufacture products that are in high demand among American gun owners.
Using data from the ATF’s Firearm Commerce report, 24/7 Wall St. identified the countries selling Americans the most firearms. Countries are ranked on the total number of guns they exported to the U.S. between 2010 and 2023 — and only countries that exported at least 5,000 firearms to the U.S. over this time period were considered. Listed companies have been active in the corresponding country for some or all of the 2010 to 2023 time period.
In total, 37 countries have exported at least 5,000 firearms to the U.S. over the last 14 years. Of these countries, the top three alone account for more than 50% of the nearly 70.2 million foreign-made guns Americans have bought since 2010.
Many countries on this list appear to specialize in specific types of firearms. Austria, for example, is a country home to the global headquarters of Glock, one of the leading pistol brands in the United States. Partially as a result, over 99% of the 14.4 million firearms exported to the U.S. from Austria since 2010 were handguns. (Here is a look at the best-selling pistols in the United States.)
Similarly, Turkish gunmakers, such as Huglu and Yildiz, produce shotguns for major firearm brands, including CZ-USA and Weatherby. Companies like Stoeger also have shotgun manufacturing facilities in Turkey. Unlike some other foreign shotgun manufacturers, like those operating out of Italy or the United Kingdom, many Turkish-made shotguns sell for only a few hundred dollars and are affordable for a wide range of budgets. Over half of the 13.5 million foreign-made shotguns sold in the U.S. since 2010 were exported from Turkey. (Here is a look at the best-selling shotguns in the United States.)
These are the countries exporting the most firearms to the United States.
Why It Matters
Millions of firearms roll off American assembly lines every year. Still, the U.S. is the largest consumer market for guns in the world, and to meet demand, the U.S. also imports millions of firearms annually. While the majority of guns sold in the U.S. were also manufactured domestically, certain foreign countries still have a meaningful foothold in the American market.
37. South Korea
Total firearms exported to U.S. from South Korea, 2010-2023: 5,165 (0.01% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from South Korea, 2010-2023: 5,163 (0.01% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from South Korea, 2010-2023: 0
Rifles exported to U.S. from South Korea, 2010-2023: 2 (0.00% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in South Korea between 2010 and 2013 include: SNT Motiv, Dasan Machinery
36. Pakistan
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Pakistan, 2010-2023: 6,119 (0.01% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Pakistan, 2010-2023: 4,541 (0.01% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Pakistan, 2010-2023: 1,578 (0.01% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Pakistan, 2010-2023: 0
Gunmakers operating in Pakistan between 2010 and 2013 include: Peshawar Arms Company, North Star Arsenal, Pakistan Ordnance Factories
35. Mexico
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Mexico, 2010-2023: 6,691 (0.01% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Mexico, 2010-2023: 50 (0.00% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Mexico, 2010-2023: 4,341 (0.03% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Mexico, 2010-2023: 2,300 (0.02% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Mexico between 2010 and 2013 include: Productos Mendoza
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Slovenia, 2010-2023: 60,616 (0.09% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Slovenia, 2010-2023: 60,603 (0.14% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Slovenia, 2010-2023: 0
Rifles exported to U.S. from Slovenia, 2010-2023: 13 (0.00% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Slovenia between 2010 and 2013 include: IZOP-K, Arex
24. Bulgaria
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Bulgaria, 2010-2023: 148,687 (0.21% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Bulgaria, 2010-2023: 47,375 (0.11% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Bulgaria, 2010-2023: 51 (0.00% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Bulgaria, 2010-2023: 101,261 (0.79% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Bulgaria between 2010 and 2013 include: Arsenal JSCo
23. Switzerland
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Switzerland, 2010-2023: 156,122 (0.22% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Switzerland, 2010-2023: 116,028 (0.26% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Switzerland, 2010-2023: 133 (0.00% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Switzerland, 2010-2023: 39,961 (0.31% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Switzerland between 2010 and 2013 include: Christensen Arms, Bleiker, B&T AG
22. Poland
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Poland, 2010-2023: 185,957 (0.26% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Poland, 2010-2023: 119,572 (0.27% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Poland, 2010-2023: 82 (0.00% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Poland, 2010-2023: 66,303 (0.52% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Poland between 2010 and 2013 include: Son of Gun, WBP, FB Radom, Pioneer Arms
21. United Kingdom
Total firearms exported to U.S. from United Kingdom, 2010-2023: 233,410 (0.33% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from United Kingdom, 2010-2023: 50,731 (0.12% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from United Kingdom, 2010-2023: 72,167 (0.53% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from United Kingdom, 2010-2023: 110,512 (0.87% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in United Kingdom between 2010 and 2013 include: Holland & Holland, Boss & Co., Gallyon Gun & Rifle Makers, IMI plc, Webley & Scott
20. Portugal
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Portugal, 2010-2023: 281,140 (0.40% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Portugal, 2010-2023: 682 (0.00% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Portugal, 2010-2023: 42,128 (0.31% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Portugal, 2010-2023: 238,330 (1.87% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Portugal between 2010 and 2013 include: Winchester, Browning
19. Israel
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Israel, 2010-2023: 496,317 (0.71% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Israel, 2010-2023: 356,518 (0.81% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Israel, 2010-2023: 7,697 (0.06% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Israel, 2010-2023: 132,102 (1.04% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Israel between 2010 and 2013 include: IMI Systems, Israel Weapon Industries
18. Romania
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Romania, 2010-2023: 523,080 (0.75% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Romania, 2010-2023: 227,746 (0.52% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Romania, 2010-2023: 1 (0.00% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Romania, 2010-2023: 295,333 (2.32% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Romania between 2010 and 2013 include: Nova Modul, Cugir Arms Factory
17. Serbia
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Serbia, 2010-2023: 577,399 (0.82% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Serbia, 2010-2023: 224,286 (0.51% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Serbia, 2010-2023: 49 (0.00% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Serbia, 2010-2023: 353,064 (2.77% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Serbia between 2010 and 2013 include: Zastava Arms
16. Finland
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Finland, 2010-2023: 645,106 (0.92% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Finland, 2010-2023: 882 (0.00% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Finland, 2010-2023: 119 (0.00% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Finland, 2010-2023: 644,105 (5.05% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Finland between 2010 and 2013 include: Tikka, Sako Limited
15. Belgium
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Belgium, 2010-2023: 691,408 (0.98% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Belgium, 2010-2023: 309,158 (0.70% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Belgium, 2010-2023: 7,999 (0.06% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Belgium, 2010-2023: 374,251 (2.94% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Belgium between 2010 and 2013 include: Winchester, Browning, FN Herstal
14. Argentina
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Argentina, 2010-2023: 714,455 (1.02% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Argentina, 2010-2023: 714,455 (1.63% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Argentina, 2010-2023: 0
Rifles exported to U.S. from Argentina, 2010-2023: 0
Gunmakers operating in Argentina between 2010 and 2013 include: Bersa S.A.
13. Spain
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Spain, 2010-2023: 753,309 (1.07% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Spain, 2010-2023: 60,870 (0.14% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Spain, 2010-2023: 24,007 (0.18% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Spain, 2010-2023: 668,432 (5.24% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Spain between 2010 and 2013 include: Bergara Barrels, ASTRA Defense, Traditions Performance Firearms, Arrieta Shotguns, Grulla Armas
12. Russia
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Russia, 2010-2023: 871,024 (1.24% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Russia, 2010-2023: 30,346 (0.07% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Russia, 2010-2023: 183,815 (1.36% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Russia, 2010-2023: 656,863 (5.15% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Russia between 2010 and 2013 include: Kurbatov Arms, Kalashnikov Group, Lobaev Arms
11. Japan
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Japan, 2010-2023: 1,103,971 (1.57% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Japan, 2010-2023: 41 (0.00% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Japan, 2010-2023: 15,143 (0.11% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Japan, 2010-2023: 1,088,787 (8.54% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Japan between 2010 and 2013 include: Howa, Miroku Corp.
10. Philippines
Total firearms exported to U.S. from the Philippines, 2010-2023: 1,558,441 (2.22% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from the Philippines, 2010-2023: 1,450,368 (3.30% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from the Philippines, 2010-2023: 48,635 (0.36% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from the Philippines, 2010-2023: 59,438 (0.47% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in the Philippines between 2010 and 2013 include: Shooters Arms Mfg., Armscor, United Defense Manufacturing Corporation
9. Czechia
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Czechia, 2010-2023: 2,117,562 (3.02% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Czechia, 2010-2023: 1,700,436 (3.87% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Czechia, 2010-2023: 546 (0.00% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Czechia, 2010-2023: 416,580 (3.27% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Czechia between 2010 and 2013 include: Colt CZ Group, Luvo Firearms, FK BRNO
8. China
Total firearms exported to U.S. from China, 2010-2023: 2,175,423 (3.10% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from China, 2010-2023: 118 (0.00% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from China, 2010-2023: 2,076,968 (15.36% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from China, 2010-2023: 98,337 (0.77% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in China between 2010 and 2013 include: Qiqihar Hawk Industris
7. Canada
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Canada, 2010-2023: 3,676,709 (5.24% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Canada, 2010-2023: 77,389 (0.18% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Canada, 2010-2023: 14,203 (0.11% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Canada, 2010-2023: 3,585,117 (28.12% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Canada between 2010 and 2013 include: Colt Canada Corporation, Savage Arms, PGW Defence
6. Italy
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Italy, 2010-2023: 5,446,618 (7.76% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Italy, 2010-2023: 2,323,677 (5.29% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Italy, 2010-2023: 2,720,341 (20.12% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Italy, 2010-2023: 402,600 (3.16% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Italy between 2010 and 2013 include: Franchi S.p.A., Benelli Armi, Beretta, Chiappa Firearms, Perugini & Visini, Perazzi
5. Croatia
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Croatia, 2010-2023: 5,455,639 (7.77% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Croatia, 2010-2023: 5,431,491 (12.36% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Croatia, 2010-2023: 295 (0.00% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Croatia, 2010-2023: 23,853 (0.19% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Croatia between 2010 and 2013 include: HS Produkt
4. Germany
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Germany, 2010-2023: 5,946,615 (8.47% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Germany, 2010-2023: 5,025,686 (11.44% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Germany, 2010-2023: 30,435 (0.23% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Germany, 2010-2023: 890,494 (6.98% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Germany between 2010 and 2013 include: Heckler & Koch, Umarex, SIG Sauer GmbH & Co.
3. Turkey
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Turkey, 2010-2023: 10,209,178 (14.54% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Turkey, 2010-2023: 2,666,588 (6.07% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Turkey, 2010-2023: 7,237,595 (53.54% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Turkey, 2010-2023: 304,995 (2.39% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Turkey between 2010 and 2013 include: Barathrum Arms, Typhoon Defens, Huglu, Carrera Arms
2. Brazil
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Brazil, 2010-2023: 11,517,759 (16.41% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Brazil, 2010-2023: 8,496,042 (19.34% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Brazil, 2010-2023: 1,012,155 (7.49% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Brazil, 2010-2023: 2,009,562 (15.76% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Brazil between 2010 and 2013 include: Amadeo Rossi S.A., Taurus Armas
Total firearms exported to U.S. from Austria, 2010-2023: 14,437,266 (20.57% of all imported guns)
Handguns exported to U.S. from Austria, 2010-2023: 14,329,710 (32.62% of all imported handguns)
Shotguns exported to U.S. from Austria, 2010-2023: 5,816 (0.04% of all imported shotguns)
Rifles exported to U.S. from Austria, 2010-2023: 101,740 (0.80% of all imported rifles)
Gunmakers operating in Austria between 2010 and 2013 include: Glock, Steyr Arms
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