Market figures

Each profile presents the indicative annual sales volume, the number of declared operators, the share of online sales and the breakdown by segment. These indicators are expressed in euros and, where possible, as a percentage of the regional market.

The segments follow the Organisation's nomenclature: painting, contemporary art, furniture and other objects, sculpture, tribal art. Globally, painting accounts for 38% of the market and contemporary art for 22%.

A market figure depends on what is counted: public sales, private treaty sales, online sales. Some private transactions escape any statistics. The profile therefore states the scope used and flags known gaps.

Year-on-year variations may reflect a change of method as much as a real change. That is why the series are accompanied by methodological notes.

For each State, the profile identifies the cities where activity is concentrated: capitals, free ports, fair cities. It lists the main auction houses and annual fairs, which helps professionals choose where to consign or buy.

The record sales of 2024, such as that of Twilight over the Neva at €74.3 million, took place at only a few venues; the vast majority of transactions take place on a much more modest scale.

The profiles make it possible to distinguish established markets, with long-standing and structured activity, from developing markets. In several Asia-Pacific and African States, volume is still modest but growth is rapid, driven by online sales and the tastes of local collectors.

This reading guides the technical cooperation programmes: the Organisation gives priority to supporting States whose control framework has not yet kept pace with the growth of the market.

The statistics may be reused freely provided the source is cited. Researchers, journalists and analysts use them for comparative studies, and administrations to calibrate their controls.

The detailed series are available for download in the member area. For a request for specific data, the Studies Directorate replies within an indicative period of fifteen days.