Info-graphics on Singapore's arms imports, exports and ownership

After seven long years of negotiations, the United Nations in April last year overwhelmingly adopted the first ever treaty to regulate the US$70 billion global trade in conventional arms such as tanks, warships, attack helicopters, as well as small arms and light weapons (SALWs). Here, we present a few tables to demonstrate Singapore’s ranking in terms of arms ownership, imports and exports worldwide.

While US tops, SG lags far behind

– in gun ownership

Note: The above data is courtesy Small Arms Survey, whose most recent data on gun ownership is from 2007.

While Switzerland tops, SG lags far behind

– in small arms trade transparency barometer

Note: The above data is courtesy 2013 edition of the Small Arms Trade Transparency Barometer, which has a seven categories assessment: timeliness, access and consistency in reporting, clarity and comprehensiveness, and the level of detail provided on actual deliveries, licences granted, and licences refused. Major exporters are countries that export—or are believed to export—at least USD 10 million worth of small arms, light weapons, their parts, accessories, and ammunition in a given year. The 2013 Barometer includes all countries that qualified as a major exporter at least once during the 2001–11 calendar years.

While India leads, SG follows suit

– in arms import

While China leads, SG stands third

– in arms export from Asia

Note: The above data is courtesy the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2013. The report says “China may represent the vanguard of an increase in the significance of Asian suppliers in the international arms trade, as South Korea is an emerging arms supplier and Japan and Singapore have potential to become major suppliers”.