• Analysis and Studies
• Fire fighting vehicles: import and export

Fire fighting vehicles, known as fire trucks or fire engines, are fundamental for firefighting and rescue operations. They are equipped with essential features such as water pumps, tanks, hose reels, and nozzles to deliver water or fire retardant effectively. Many also include extendable ladders to access high locations and conduct rescues. Furthermore, fire fighting vehicles are often equipped with emergency medical supplies, rescue tools like hydraulic cutters, and sophisticated communication systems to coordinate with other emergency services.

There are different types of fire fighting vehicles, each designed for specific tasks. Pumper trucks, the most common, have powerful water pumps and large tanks. Aerial ladder trucks feature extendable ladders for high-rise rescues, while quint fire apparatus combine multiple functions, including a pump, tank, hoses, and an aerial device. Rescue trucks specialize in technical rescues, and tanker trucks carry large amounts of water to areas with limited water access. Brush trucks, or wildland fire engines, are designed for off-road firefighting in challenging terrains, and command and control vehicles serve as mobile headquarters for managing large-scale emergencies.

In 2022, fire fighting vehicles were the world's 1975th most traded product, with a total trade of $1.21B, and between 2021 and 2022 their exports decreased by -14.6%, from $1.42B to $1.21B.

In 2022 the most significant exporter was Austria with a trade of $202M, followed by United States ($197M), Germany ($192M), United Arab Emirates ($75.1M), and Finland ($46.1M). Whereas the country which imported fire fighting vehicles the most was Canada ($126M), Germany ($93.9M), Kuwait ($63.1M), Qatar ($48.4M), and China ($47.1M).

These data show both regional focus and global outreach. European exporters like Austria and Germany capitalize on their geographic closeness and economic integration within Europe, while also strategically targeting markets in the Middle East and Asia.

The United States’ reliance on Canada underscores the importance of regional economic blocs, but it also maintains trade connections in Latin America and Asia. The United Arab Emirates’ exports show regional dominance and expanding trade to other regions, including South America and Africa. Finland's focus on Asia, combined with solid European ties, highlight a balanced approach to engaging with both traditional and emerging markets.

1. Austria (16.6%): 18.9% Germany, 12.6% Qatar, 7.92% Switzerland, 5.48% Saudi Arabia, 4.24% China, 4.12% Hong Kong, 2.83% Denmark, 2.66% Tunisia, 1.81% India, 1.42% New Zealand, 0.93% Colombia, 0.91% United States -- global
2. United States (16.2%): 60.2% Canada, 5.91% Mexico, 5.6% China, 3.61% Chile, 1.66% New Zealand, 1.9% United Kingdom, 1.25% Ghana, 1.36% Nicaragua, 0.18% Germany
3. Germany (15.8%): 9.82% Italy, 9.14% Qatar, 8.41% Austria, 5.33% France, 4.25% Turkey, 2.4% Chile, 2.3% India, 1.76% China, 1.34% Singapore
4. United Arab Emirates (6.19%): 38% Saudi Arabia, 33% Kuwait, 6.67% Peru, 5.23% Jordan, 5% Nigeria, 2.37% India, 0.59% Italy
5. Finland (3.8%): 23.4% India, 12.1% Singapore, 6.57% China, 5.8% Poland, 4.83% Kuwait, 4.53% Saudi Arabia, 2.91% Germany, 2.75% Austria, 2.05% Qatar

 These data highlight how regional proximity and strategic global partnerships shape the fire fighting vehicle import market. Canada, the leading importer, shows strong North American economic ties by sourcing most of its vehicles from the United States.

Germany's imports mainly come from Austria, Italy, and Czechia, indicating robust intra-European trade. Kuwait's reliance on Belgium and the United Arab Emirates reflects significant regional and European connections. Qatar's imports are primarily from Austria and Germany, demonstrating strong European influence. In contrast, China’s diversified import portfolio showcases its extensive international trade network.

1. Canada (10.4%): 93.9% United States, 5.78% Mexico
2. Germany (7.74%): 40.7% Austria, 18.2% Italy, 17.5% Czechia, 5.25% Croatia, 3.1% Turkey, 1.43% Finland, 0.38% United States
3. Kuwait (5.2%): 47.6% Belgium, 39.3% United Arab Emirates, 4.44% Netherlands, 3.52% Finland
4. Qatar (3.99%): 52.6% Austria, 36.3% Germany, 5.67% France, 2.21% Croatia, 1.95% Finland, 1.31% Italy
5. China (3.89%): 23.4% United States, 18.2% Austria, 10.9% France, 9.16% Croatia, 7.2% Germany, 6.74% Hong Kong, 6.42% Finland, 2.8% Italy

 Between 2021 and 2022, the country which had the fastest growth in exports was United Arab Emirates, with an increase of $51.9M, ahead of Belgium ($39.3M), Czechia ($17.3M), Portugal ($16.6M), and Indonesia ($8.4M).

1. United Arab Emirates: from $23.2M to $75.1M
2. Belgium: from $6.71M to $46.1M
3. Czechia: from $6.94M to $24.3M
4. Portugal: from $14.8M to $31.4M
5. Indonesia: from $547k to $8.95M

Whereas the fire fighting vehicles' imports grew the fastest in Kuwait, with an increase of $25.2M, followed by Ukraine ($18.3M), Romania ($17.7M), Qatar ($15.9M), and Bangladesh ($14.9M).

1. Kuwait: from $37.9M to $63.1M
2. Ukraine: from $1.2M to $19.5M
3. Romania: from $8.72M to $26.4M
4. Qatar: from $32.5M to $48.4M
5. Bangladesh: from $4.14M to $19.1M

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