The global art market returned to growth — unevenly
The 2026 report covers 2025: sales returned to growth after two declining years, while regions and channels moved at different speeds.
Growth returned, but not the peak
The 2026 Art Basel and UBS report reviews 2025. Global sales reached an estimated $59.6 billion, up 4%, while transactions rose 2% to about 41.5 million. It was the first increase after two declining years, though still below the 2022 peak. Public-auction sales rose 9%; dealer sales reached about $34.8 billion, up 2%.
Three markets still held three quarters
The US retained a 44% share, about $26.0 billion, up 5%. The UK held 18%, about $10.5 billion, up 2%; China held 14%, about $8.5 billion, up roughly 1%. Together they represented 76% of global sales. France reached about $4.5 billion, up 9%, from a smaller base.
Physical channels strengthened; online normalised
Art fairs generated 35% of dealer sales, up from 31% in 2024. Online sales were about $9.2 billion, or 15% of the market—below the exceptional 25% share in 2020, but above 9% in 2019. Online has settled into the market rather than disappearing.
The recovery was real, but a 4% headline does not mean every market improved together. Year, region and channel still matter.