【Alternative Investments】Basel Art Fair and UBS 2025 Global Art Market Report: Total Sales Reached $59.6 Billion with China Maintaining Top Three Global Position

SocialAnxietyStaker · 2026-03-12T11:14:36+00:00

According to the Basel Art Fair and UBS report, the global art market is expected to recover in 2025, with projected sales growth of 4% to $596 billion. The United States, United Kingdom, and China continue to dominate the market. Hong Kong and Singapore stand out in the Asian art market. Despite optimistic sentiment, the market faces challenges including rising costs, geopolitical instability, and tax challenges. Core competitiveness lies in high-quality artworks and strong customer relationships.

SocialAnxietyStaker

2026-03-12 11:14:36

Abstract generation in progress

According to the latest report jointly released by Art Basel and UBS, the global art market will recover in 2025, benefiting from high-value auction sales and renewed buyer confidence, with total sales increasing by 4% year-over-year to $59.6 billion.

2025 Global Art Market Overview

Total Sales: $59.6 billion (up 4% YoY)

Number of Transactions: 41.5 million (up 2% YoY)

Top Three Global Art Markets

In 2025, the global art trade continues to be led by the US, UK, and China.

United States (USA): Account for 44%, maintaining the top position worldwide.

United Kingdom (UK): Account for 18%, ranking second.

China: Account for 14%, remaining a global leader.

Asia Focus: Hong Kong’s Hub Status and Singapore’s Rise

Adrian Zuercher, Co-Head of Global Asset Allocation and Co-Head of Asia-Pacific Investment Management at UBS Wealth Management, noted that the importance of the Asia-Pacific region in the global market is strengthening as macroeconomic conditions improve:

Hong Kong: Continues to serve as an Asian art market hub. Several high-priced transactions were recorded this year, and with macroeconomic stability, market activity is picking up.

Singapore: Demonstrates strong growth momentum, steadily developing into a regional art market center.

Market Outlook: Easing inflation and regional improvements are expected to attract more international capital into the Asia-Pacific art markets.

Channel Type	Sales Amount	YoY Change	Key Observations
Art Dealers	$34.8 billion	+2%	Optimizing exhibition plans and customer engagement
Public Auctions	$20.7 billion	+9%	Over $10 million high-value works increased by 30% annually
Private Treaty Sales	$4.2 billion	-4%	Slight slowdown in transactions

Market Challenges and Future Outlook

Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel, mentioned that despite optimistic market sentiment, three major challenges remain: 1) rising operating costs; 2) geopolitical instability; 3) tariffs and tax issues. The key to future growth lies in the market entering a rational adjustment period, with core competitiveness focusing on “supply of high-quality works,” “deepening customer relationships,” and “expanding the global art ecosystem.”

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