Norwegian weapons exports nearly doubled since 2005

The value of Norwegian exports of military equipment has doubled when comparing 2005 with the record years 2008 and 2009, which both hit the NOK 3.1 billion mark. The year 2010 showed a 15 per cent decrease from the previous year, but still came out 70 per cent higher than 2005. The majority of exports are still sent to countries in NATO. The share going to countries outside the agreement has declined since 2005. The USA remains by far the largest export partner.

Norway fourth largest exporter in 2008

According to the UN database for external trade (UN Comtrade), Norway was the fourth largest exporter of military equipment in 2008. This is most likely the highest ranking the country has ever had. The Norwegian contribution in terms of export values that year accounted for 5.7 per cent of the world’s total export of weapons and arms. In 2009, the last available year in the UN database, Norway fell to sixth place, the same position as in 2007. The top three major weapons exporters have for many years been the USA, Canada and Italy. With exports amounting to USD 4.4 billion, the USA clearly stands out from the rest. This corresponds to around NOK 26 billion, which is close to 40 per cent of the total registered global weapons export in 2009.

I find it interesting that so much effort in commerce is placed in war and terrorism.

More of the story at www.norwaynews.com...

Sig Sauer is based out of Norway right?

Also, not sure what the larger significance of this story is supposed to be.

reply to post by specialdelivery


I thought that they only exported cheese from Norway. -> -> ->