Gun Powder Market Report 2026

The gun powder market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $20.91 billion in 2025 to $22.12 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing demand for ammunition driving consistent consumption of gunpowder as a propellant, expansion of fireworks manufacturing for cultural and recreational events, rising adoption of gunpowder-based explosives in mining and construction activities, development of improved propellant formulations enhancing stability and performance, growth of defense procurement programs sustaining large-scale gunpowder production.

The gun powder market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $27.36 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing shift toward safer and cleaner propellant formulations reducing environmental impact, rising demand for specialized propellants to support advanced ammunition systems, expansion of commercial and industrial blasting operations in infrastructure development, increasing use of electronic ignition systems driving innovation in gunpowder compatibility, development of high-performance flare and signaling products requiring enhanced propellant efficiency. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for gunpowder from defense and security modernization programs, expansion of civilian sporting, hunting, and shooting sports ammunition consumption, gradual shift from traditional black powder toward smokeless and substitute powders, increasing use of gunpowder-based products in entertainment, fireworks, and events, stricter safety, storage, and transport regulations shaping product design and handling.

The rising popularity of hunting sports is expected to drive the growth of the gun powder market going forward. Hunting sports refer to the recreational pursuit of wild animals, often using firearms or bows, and are typically regulated to support conservation and ethical practices. The popularity of hunting sports is increasing as more individuals seek to reconnect with nature, relieve the pressures of modern life, and engage in outdoor recreational activities that provide both physical challenges and personal satisfaction. Gun powder enhances hunting sports by supplying the explosive force required for firearms to deliver precise and effective shots. For instance, in September 2025, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a US-based government agency, recreational hunting and fishing licenses in Texas generated over $41 million in sales. Therefore, the rising popularity of hunting sports is fueling the growth of the gun powder market.

Major companies operating in the gun powder market are emphasizing the expansion of high-performance smokeless propellant manufacturing processes to improve consistency, efficiency, and supply stability for defense and sporting applications. Advanced production technologies create high-energy, low-residue smokeless propellants with tightly controlled burn characteristics, supported by rigorous quality assurance and modern manufacturing practices to ensure dependable performance and safe handling. For instance, in September 2024, White River Energetics, a US-based ammunition and propellant producer, announced a $70 million expansion of its Des Arc facility, including a new single-base smokeless propellant plant. This expansion is expected to generate 100 new jobs and increase production capacity to address global propellant shortages affecting ammunition supply. By strengthening production capabilities and process efficiency, the initiative aims to ensure a reliable supply for both domestic and international defense and sporting sectors while contributing to local economic development.

In November 2024, Czechoslovak Group, a Czechia-based provider of aerospace and defense solutions, acquired the Kinetic Group for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition has expanded CSG’s footprint in the U.S. ammunition market, broadened its portfolio, and aims to increase both civilian and military ammunition sales while maintaining the heritage of established brands. The Kinetic Group is a US-based manufacturer of highly accurate, powerful, and dependable ammunition, including gun powder.

Major companies operating in the gun powder market are General Dynamics Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Poongsan Corporation, Maxa Corp (MAXAM), Eurenco S.A., GOEX Powder, Inc., Nitrochemie Group (Nitrochemie Aschau GmbH / Nitrochemie Wimmis AG), St. Marks Powder, Inc., Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc., Nammo Vihtavuori Oy, Fiocchi Munizioni S.p.A., Explosia a.s., Australian Munitions (Thales Australia Limited), Dyno Nobel Ltd., Orica Limited, BAE Systems plc, IMI Systems Ltd., Nexter Group, Hanwha Corporation, Chemring Group (Chemring Nobel AS), Indian Explosives Limited, Solar Industries India Limited, Ordnance / Defense producers in Pakistan (e.g. Pakistan Ordnance Factories), Northrop Grumman Corporation, Vista Outdoor (via Alliant Powder legacy)

North America was the largest region in the gun powder market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the gun powder market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on chemical precursors, metals, and finished energetic materials are increasing production and procurement costs across the gunpowder market, particularly for smokeless, double-base, and single-base powders used in military and sporting ammunition. These trade barriers most heavily affect cross-border supply chains in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, disrupting segments such as military and defense, fireworks and entertainment, and industrial mining explosives. Government and commercial ammunition manufacturers relying on imported propellants or raw materials face higher prices and longer lead times, while domestic producers in some regions benefit from reduced competition and incentives for onshoring production. In the long term, tariffs are encouraging localization of propellant manufacturing, vertical integration, and diversification of suppliers, which may improve regional supply security despite near-term cost pressures.

The gun powder market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides gun powder market statistics, including gun powder industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a gun powder market share, detailed gun powder market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the gun powder industry. This gun powder market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Gunpowder is a chemical compound composed of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur. When ignited, it undergoes a swift chemical reaction that produces a significant amount of hot gases. The rapid release and expansion of these gases generate intense pressure, which can propel projectiles from firearms or cause powerful detonations in cannons and pyrotechnic devices.

There are several primary types of gun powder, including smokeless powder, black powder, Pyrodex, double-base powder, and single-base powder. Smokeless powder is known for generating minimal smoke during combustion, making it more efficient and cleaner compared to traditional powders. It comes in various forms such as granulated, powdered, sheet, pelleted, and liquid, catering to diverse applications like military and defense, entertainment, mining, fireworks, construction, and sporting. These powders are distributed through online platforms and brand-specific websites and are utilized by government entities, private users, and commercial enterprises.

The countries covered in the gun powder market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The gunpowder market consists of sales of ammunition, fireworks, explosives, propellants, and flares. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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