US concerned over surge in uranium imports from China

The US government is investigating whether China is supporting Russia's nuclear industry by importing enriched uranium from its northern neighbour and exporting its own production to the US.

The probe follows a US ban on Russian uranium imports, implemented as part of broader efforts to disrupt funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

Data from the US International Trade Commission revealed a significant rise in enriched uranium shipments from China to the US following the December 2023 ban. In that month, China exported 242,990 kilograms (535,700 lb) of enriched uranium to the US, a dramatic increase after years of no exports between 2020 and 2022. This pattern continued in May 2024, with an additional 123,894 kilograms (273,139 lb) sent to the US, raising concerns among US officials.

The US Department of Energy, alongside other federal agencies, is closely monitoring these imports to ensure compliance with the "Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act." The department is particularly focused on whether China is using Russian uranium domestically while exporting its own enriched material to circumvent the US ban.

Russia, the world's largest exporter of enriched uranium, has seen its uranium exports to the US drop 30% this year compared to last. However, certain Russian imports are allowed under the ban until 2028 if supply issues arise.

The investigation aims to prevent any undermining of the US effort to reduce dependence on Russian uranium, which powers the country's nuclear energy industry—the largest in the world. In response to the ban, the Biden administration has committed $2.72 billion in public funds to bolster the domestic uranium supply chain.

China, which has significantly increased its imports of Russian-enriched uranium, is believed to be positioning itself to play a larger role in global uranium markets. According to analysts, these imports may not only fuel China's expanding nuclear power industry but also support its ambitions to become a major exporter of enriched uranium.