Art Basel and UBS Report Global Art Market Sales Rise to $59.6 Billion in 2025
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Global art market sales rose 4% to $59.6 billion in 2025 as the sector continued to adjust to changing economic conditions, according to The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026.
The report finds that the market returned to growth in 2025, supported by renewed confidence at the high end and a rebound in public auction activity. Aggregate sales increased in both the dealer and auction segments, with dealer sales up 2% year on year to $34.8 billion and public auction sales up 9% to $20.7 billion. Reported private sales declined by 5% to just under $4.2 billion.
The United States remained the largest art market, accounting for 44% of global sales by value, an increase of 1 percentage point from the previous year. The United Kingdom held a stable 18% share, while China accounted for 14%, down 1 percentage point. France, the fourth largest market and the largest in the European Union, increased its share by 1 percentage point to 8%.
Authored by Dr. Clare McAndrew of Arts Economics, The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026 analyzes the performance of the global art market in 2025 within the wider economic and wealth context and reviews key sectors including dealers, auction houses, and art fairs.
An online conversation discussing the report is scheduled for March 12, 2026 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm EDT, 7:00pm to 8:00pm CET, and 9:00pm to 10:00pm AST. Interested participants can join online for further details.