We use observations of nitrogen dioxide columns from multiple satellite instruments with the help of a chemical transport model to constrain the global deposition of reactive nitrogen oxides (NO_y) over the last 2 decades. NO_y deposition decreased by up to 60 % in eastern North America, doubled in regions of East Asia, and declined by 20 % in parts of Western Europe. We also find changes in the export of NO_y via atmospheric transport, with direct impacts on countries downwind of source regions.