Ammunition Market by Product Type (Centrefire and Rimfire), Caliber Size (Small, Medium, Large, and Others), Application (Defense and Civil & Commercial), and Regional Analysis (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2031

Global Ammunition Market Analysis

The Global Ammunition Market Size was $21,980.00 million in 2021 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 3.9%, by generating a revenue of $31,717.40 million by 2031.

Global Ammunition Market Synopsis

The modernization of military capabilities and the acquisition of new weapons are among the main drivers of the ammunition market. As countries upgrade their military equipment and weapons, they require specialized ammunition that meets the specifications of these new systems. Modern weapons systems require ammunition that is more advanced, accurate, and precise, with features such as longer ranges, improved penetration capabilities, and enhanced lethality. Moreover, as nations seek to enhance their defense capabilities, they increase their defense budgets, which also drives the demand for ammunition. There is increasing demand for advanced and high-quality ammunition by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. As modern warfare becomes more complex and sophisticated, the need for advanced ammunition that can adapt to changing battlefield requirements is becoming more critical. These factors are anticipated to boost the ammunition industry growth in the upcoming years.         

However, some of the disadvantages of ammunition include government regulations. Government regulations are one of the significant restraints in the ammunition market. The ammunition market is heavily regulated worldwide due to the potential dangers and risks associated with the use of ammunition. Moreover, restrictions on the sale of ammunition to certain countries can also limit market growth. Governments around the world impose trade restrictions and sanctions on countries based on various factors, such as human rights violations, terrorism, or nuclear proliferation concerns. Such restrictions can prevent manufacturers from selling ammunition to specific countries, thereby affecting the market's growth.

Ammunition manufacturers can diversify their product offerings by developing ammunition for niche markets, such as self-defense, competition shooting, and long-range shooting. With increasing concerns about personal safety, demand for ammunition for personal defense is growing. Ammunition manufacturers develop specialized ammunition such as hollow-point bullets that expand upon impact, reducing the risk of over-penetration and collateral damage. There is growing concern about the environmental impact of lead-based ammunition. Ammunition manufacturers have been exploring new markets and applications for ammunition beyond traditional uses, such as self-defense and hunting. For example, specialized ammunition has been developed for long-range shooting, competition shooting, and tactical training. This diversification has opened up new opportunities for manufacturers to expand their customer base and increase their revenue.

According to regional analysis, the Asia-Pacific ammunition market accounted for highest market share in 2021 and is anticipated to show fastest growth in the projected timeframe. The Asia-Pacific region is one of the fastest-growing markets for ammunition globally. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including India, China, Japan, and South Korea, are increasing their defense spending, which is leading to the development and modernization of their armed forces. This, in turn, is driving the ammunition market in the region.

Ammunition Overview

Ammunition refers to a supply of bullets, shells, or other projectiles that are used in firearms or other weapons. It can also refer to the material or resources that are used to support a particular effort or cause, such as political ammunition or intellectual ammunition. In general, the term ammunition refers to any type of material that can be used to attack or defend against an opponent, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Ammunition Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy and various industries, including the ammunition market. In the early stages of the pandemic, there was a surge in demand for firearms and ammunition as people panic-bought them in anticipation of social unrest, uncertainty, and potential breakdowns in law and order. This demand for firearms and ammunition was particularly high in the United States, where there were concerns about the pandemic's impact on the economy, and protests against police brutality and racism were taking place. The pandemic also led to disruptions in the supply chain, which made it harder for manufacturers to keep up with the demand. However, as the pandemic progressed, the demand for firearms and ammunition started to level off, and the market returned to pre-pandemic levels. This was due in part to increased availability of vaccines, reduced fears of social unrest, and fewer concerns about economic collapse.

However, the ammunition market has also been affected by the pandemic's impact on manufacturing and distribution. The pandemic has caused disruptions in global supply chains, and ammunition manufacturers have faced challenges in acquiring raw materials and transporting finished products. This led to supply shortages and price increases for certain types of ammunition.

Growing Demand of Ammunition in Military and Law Enforcement Agencies to Drive the Market Growth

Ammunition has immense application across day-to-day products. For instance, military and law enforcement agencies are some of the biggest customers of the ammunition market, as they need large quantities of ammunition to train their personnel and carry out their operations effectively. These agencies require various types of ammunition, such as small arms ammunition, medium and heavy ammunition, and specialized ammunition for different applications. In addition to the demand for training and operational purposes, military and law enforcement agencies also need to keep a significant amount of ammunition in reserve for emergency situations. This demand for ammunition is driven by the need to be prepared for any potential conflict or threat that may arise. The demand from military and law enforcement agencies remains a significant driver of the ammunition market, and it is expected to continue to drive the growth of the industry in the coming years.

To know more about global ammunition market drivers, get in touch with our analysts here.

High Cost of Production of Ammunition to Restrain the Market Growth

The high cost of production is a significant restraint for the ammunition market, particularly in developing countries. The manufacturing process of ammunition involves several stages, including the production of metal casings, bullets, and gunpowder, which require expensive machinery and specialized skills. Additionally, the raw materials used in ammunition production, such as lead, copper, and brass, are subject to fluctuations in prices, further driving up the cost of production. These high costs of production can make it difficult for manufacturers to keep prices competitive, particularly in regions with lower purchasing power. As a result, many developing countries may rely on importing ammunition, which can be costlier due to taxes and other import-related fees, which is anticipated to hamper the ammunition market growth.

Innovation in Ammunition Technology to Drive Excellent Opportunities

The innovation in ammunition technology is the need for safety. Modern ammunition is designed with safety features that minimize the risk of accidental discharge or malfunction. Companies that can successfully innovate in this area may be well-positioned for growth. For example, new materials and manufacturing techniques can result in ammunition that is more accurate and consistent, while advances in propellants and bullet design can increase range and stopping power. Companies that can successfully develop and commercialize new types of ammunition that offer these kinds of performance improvements may be able to capture a larger share of the market and gain a competitive advantage. Additionally, there may be challenges associated with marketing and selling new types of ammunition, as consumers and law enforcement agencies may be hesitant to adopt unfamiliar products. The potential rewards of innovation in the ammunition market could be significant.

To know more about global ammunition market opportunities, get in touch with our analysts here.

Global Ammunition Market, by Product Type

Based on product type, the market has been divided into centrefire and rim fire. Among these, the centrefire sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2021, whereas the rim fire sub-segment is estimated to show the fastest growth during the forecast period.

Global Ammunition Market Size, by Product Type, 2021

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The centrefire sub-type accounted for the largest market share in 2021. Centrefire cartridges are available in a wide variety of calibers, making them suitable for a broad range of firearms, including rifles, handguns, and shotguns. This versatility makes them popular with hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement agencies. Centrefire cartridges are generally more powerful than rimfire cartridges, allowing for greater accuracy and range. They also offer better consistency and reliability, making them ideal for use in high-pressure situations. Centrefire cartridges are widely available and can be purchased from a variety of retailers, including sporting goods stores, gun shops, and online retailers. This availability makes them a popular choice for gun owners who want to ensure that they always have access to ammunition.

The rimfire sub-type is anticipated to show the fastest growth in 2031. Rimfire ammunition has the primer contained in the rim of the ammunition casing. Rimfire ammunition is limited to low-pressure loads and rimfire cartridges are not reloadable. Rimfire ammunition is commonly used for small game hunting, target shooting, and plinking. It is often preferred over centerfire ammunition for these activities because it is less expensive and produces less recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately and comfortably. Rimfire ammunition is generally less expensive than centerfire ammunition, making it more accessible to casual shooters and hunters. Additionally, the popularity of rimfire firearms among younger shooters and those new to the sport has contributed to the growth of the rimfire ammunition segment. Rimfire firearms are typically easier to handle and have less recoil than larger-caliber firearms, making them a good choice for beginners. The rimfire segment is expected to continue growing in the ammunition market due to rimfire ammunition’s affordability, popularity for recreational shooting and hunting, and ease of use for beginners.

Global Ammunition Market, by Caliber Size

Based on caliber size, the market has been divided into small, medium, large, and others. Among these, the small sub-segment accounted for highest revenue share in 2021.

Global Ammunition Market Share, by Caliber Size, 2021

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The small sub-segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021. Small caliber ammunition, such as .22 LR, 9mm, and .223 Remington, are widely used for a variety of applications, including recreational shooting, hunting, and self-defense. With rising concerns about personal safety and security, there has been an increased demand for personal defense weapons such as handguns, which typically use small size calibers. This has driven the growth of the small caliber segment. Small caliber ammunition is also popular among hunters and sport shooters, who use it for a variety of purposes such as target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting. These factors are anticipated to boost the growth of small sub-segment during the analysis timeframe.

Global Ammunition Market, by Application

Based on application, the market has been divided into defense, and civil & commercial. Among these, the defense sub-segment accounted for highest revenue share in 2021.

Global Ammunition Market Growth, by Application, 2021

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The defense sub-segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021. The defense is a major end-user of ammunition, and many companies focus on producing ammunition specifically for the military market. As military technology advances, there is a need for ammunition that can support new weapon systems and combat tactics. This has led to increased demand for advanced ammunition that can be used in a range of environments and situations. Geopolitical tensions also play a significant role in driving the demand for ammunition in the defense sector. Countries around the world are investing heavily in their military capabilities in response to perceived threats from their neighbors or other countries. This has led to increased demand for ammunition to ensure that armed forces are properly equipped and prepared to defend against potential threats. These factors are anticipated to boost the growth of defense sub-segment during the analysis timeframe.

Global Ammunition Market, Regional Insights

The ammunition market was investigated across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Global Ammunition Market Size & Forecast, by Region, 2021-2031 (USD Million)

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The Market for Ammunition in Asia-Pacific was the Most Dominant

The Asia-Pacific ammunition market accounted for the largest market share in 2021. The Asia-Pacific region is a significant driver of the ammunition market due to several factors, including the growing geopolitical tensions, increasing military modernization programs, and the rising demand for small arms for civilian applications such as hunting and personal defense. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea have been investing heavily in the development of their military capabilities, which has led to a surge in demand for ammunition. Additionally, the region has witnessed several conflicts and security threats, such as the ongoing tensions in the Korean peninsula, the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and the ongoing war in Afghanistan, which have further boosted the demand for ammunition. Moreover, the growing popularity of shooting sports and hunting activities in the region has also contributed to the growth of the ammunition market. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan have seen a significant rise in demand for hunting and sporting ammunition, which has led to the development of a robust ammunition industry in the region.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Ammunition Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players. For instance, in December 2021, for the Indian Army's artillery weapons, the Indian government announced an Expression of Interest to buy 1,966 rounds of 155 mm Terminally Guided Munitions to upgrade their capabilities.

Source: Research Dive Analysis

Some of the leading ammunition market players are Northrop Grumman Corporation, FN Herstal, Olin Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, BAE Systems, Inc., Rheinmetall Defense, Nexter KNDS Group, Hanwha Corporation, ST Engineering, and Remington Arms Company LLC.