Mass shootings and the global weapons industry

Global Business

The debate over gun rights has long been a polarizing topic in the United States, and it seems to be getting even hotter.

Gun sales tend to spike after a tragedy as do the shares of the leading gun makers. The United States is widely regarded as one of the easiest places to obtain and own a firearm.

CCTV America’s Karina Huber reports.

Mass shootings and the global weapons industry

The debate over gun rights has long been a polarizing topic in the United States, and it seems to be getting even hotter. Gun sales tend to spike after a tragedy as do the shares of the leading gun makers. The United States is widely regarded as one of the easiest places to obtain and own a firearm. CCTV America’s Karina Huber reports.

After the terror attacks in Paris and a deadly mass shooting in San Bernadino, California, it’s something the whole world is talking about. And as people talk, guns sales keep shooting upwards. Weaponry sales are big business in many countries.

A recent study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows when it comes to international arms, the United States and Russia are flooding the market. Both countries account for more than half of the world’s weapons exports. China is moving up in the ranks, taking over France and Germany to gain third place.

Of the top five exporters, China, France, and Germany have some of the strictest handgun laws. Guns are banned in China for private citizens.

Certain guns are allowed in France and Germany, but only after an extensive application process. Russia loosened a portion of its laws last year.

CCTV America