The United States has elevated its purchases of uranium from Russia to a level not seen since 2005. This development is documented by the statistical authorities and reflected in recent reports from industry watchdogs. The data signal a notable shift in energy and strategic planning, underscoring how uranium sourcing remains a critical component of the country’s nuclear and energy sectors.
For the first half of 2023, the United States imported 416 tons of uranium from Russia, a pace that is 2.2 times higher than the same period in 2022. This amount marks the strongest half-year total since 2005, highlighting a renewed reliance on Russian supply chains within the global uranium market. The financial dimension of these imports is also striking, with Washington paying approximately $696.5 million for Russian uranium during the period in question.
Beyond Russia, the United States increased its purchases from other major suppliers as well. Uranium imports from the United Kingdom rose by about 28 percent, totaling around $383.1 million. Purchases from France amounted to $319 million, representing roughly 15 percent of the country’s total uranium imports for that timeframe. These shifts reflect broader geostrategic and economic considerations shaping energy security and defense readiness.
In related industry developments, Alexei Likhachev, the director general of Rosatom, noted in discussions with Russian leaders the significance of Rosatom’s asset portfolio, including the Budenovskoye uranium deposit located in Kazakhstan. The expansion of this resource base has reinforced the country’s position in global uranium reserves, illustrating how national asset endowments influence international supply dynamics and long-term strategic planning for nuclear fuel supply chains.
Analysts have also tracked policy and export trends. In particular, SIPRI reported a reduction in defense-related exports from the Russian Federation by about one third, a development with potential implications for global defense markets and the balance of power in strategic materials, including uranium. These interconnected factors shape how governments and industry players anticipate future supply stability, pricing, and regulatory oversight across North America and beyond. [Source attribution pending: official statistical reports and industry analyses]