Supply Chain Research

U.S. imports of handheld weapons and ammunition have been increasing, possibly as a result of tightening regulations regarding ammunition purchases and the prospect of a change in Congressional control at the midterm elections. Imports of weapons and parts climbed 7% on a year earlier in the three months to July 31 and by 15% in August after a 7% year-to-date increase in FBI background checks. Imports of ammunition meanwhile, led by Magtech, had been in a decline of 5% in the three months to end July on a year earlier but jumped 13% in August.