In recent years, inflation has impacted the prices of various commodities, including beef, housing, and fuel. The cost of ammunition, a matter of concern for many firearm users in Alberta, has also surged, driven by a combination of factors such as global conflicts, election cycles, and supply chain disruptions.
For instance, the price of 9-mm ammunition, a popular calibre for handguns and rifles in Canada, has more than doubled over the past three years. Wes Winkle, president of the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association, noted that the price of 50 rounds increased from $13 to $24 during this period.
The reliance on external sources for around 80% of Canada’s ammunition, primarily imported from the United States, South Korea, and Poland, has contributed to the record-high costs. Factors like escalating material costs and supply chain limitations have further exacerbated the situation.
Manufacturers are grappling with soaring prices of essential components like copper, lead, and nitrocellulose, which are crucial for producing ammunition. Tony Bernardo, a representative of the Canadian Shooting Sports Association, highlighted the impact of global conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, on the availability and cost of ammunition components.
Canada’s military ammunition stockpile has been depleted due to support provided to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022. The federal government has committed $9.5 billion over 20 years to boost domestic ammunition production. Despite some improvement in supply, ammunition prices remain elevated since the onset of the pandemic.
James Bachynsky, president of the Calgary Shooting Centre, expressed optimism that ammunition prices may decrease following the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump, drawing parallels to the industry’s experience during the “Trump Slump” in 2016.
Bernardo emphasized that the rising costs are affecting all segments of the shooting community, with target shooters facing significant challenges due to increased ammunition expenses. While hunters may find ammunition costs a smaller portion of their overall expenses, the impact is still felt, especially for those engaged in target shooting activities.
Ashley Tebbutt from Alberta Firearms noted that despite price hikes, loyal customers continue to purchase ammunition for various purposes, including sustenance hunting. However, concerns linger over potential declines in memberships at shooting ranges due to regulatory uncertainties and changing market dynamics in the firearms industry.
Donglin Xie, owner of FH Munitions in Calgary, aims to address the market demand by offering locally manufactured ammunition options. Leveraging components from various sources, Xie’s company is striving to provide competitive pricing amidst the challenging economic landscape.
Overall, the ammunition industry faces ongoing challenges influenced by a multitude of factors, requiring stakeholders to adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory landscapes.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/ammo-prices-jump-alberta-gun-owners-1.7462100)
