(GunReports.com) — According to data collected from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, NSSF reports that the number of Type 01 (defined as Dealer in Firearms …) Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs) in the United States increased from 47,411 in January 2010 to 48,987 in February 2012.
Additionally, the number of Type 02 FFLs (defined as Pawnbroker in firearms …) increased from 6,712 in January 2010 to 7,171 in February 2012.
“These increases over the past two years, especially considering the economic times, complement many other indicators that show strength for the firearms industry,” said Randy Clark, NSSF managing director of business development.
Elsewhere, NSSF reports that overall U.S. imports (in units) in six sporting arms and ammunition categories decreased 21.1 percent in January 2012 compared to January 2011.
January 2012 imported units in tracked categories totaled 114.9 million, down from 145.7 million reported in January 2011. Overall U.S. exports (in units) in six sporting arms and ammunition categories increased 48.5 percent in January 2012 compared to January 2011.
January 2012 exported units in tracked categories totaled 119.0 million, up from 80.2 million reported in January 2011. All figures sourced from U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).
