Bulletproof industry growing rapidly in US, EU

By Vakkas Dogantekin

ANKARA (AA)

Amid growing demand in Western countries, Europe remains the biggest market for bulletproof vests for civilians, but the U.S. is increasingly using bulletproof products as a safety measure in the wake of mass shootings.

North America is expected to lead the market through 2023, according to research company Research and Markets.

Concerned U.S. schools and parents have been purchasing bulletproof backpacks, uniforms, and whiteboards as an additional layer of protection.

According to the Travel Goods Association, bulletproof backpacks are already a multi-billion dollar industry in the U.S., one that is seeing double-digit growth.

Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit that provides information about gun-related violence, reported that 340 mass shootings took place in the U.S. in 2018, killing more than 50 people.