Firearms exports to Brazil surge as gun ownership increases under Bolsonaro

Controversial relaxation of gun laws is fuelling fears among experts that moves will add to already shocking levels of violence

Firearms exports from Austria to Brazil have surged by more than 377% in the first half of this year as gun ownership increases under the South American country's rightwing president, Jair Bolsonaro.

Official data from Brazil's trade ministry seen by the Guardian shows the renowned Austrian weapons manufacturer Glock exported more than $14.8m of guns from Austria to Brazil in the first six months of 2020, compared with about $3.1m in the same period last year. Glock is Austria's sole gun exporter.