US examines increased Chinese uranium imports

Biden administration is investigating a recent increase in enriched uranium imports from China, suspecting that these shipments are enabling Russia to bypass a US ban on Russian uranium imports.

In December 2023, the US Congress passed a ban on Russian enriched uranium as part of efforts to disrupt President Vladimir Putin’s ability to fund Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Following this ban, shipments of enriched uranium from China to the US surged dramatically, reaching 242,990 kilograms (535,700 lb) in December 2023 alone. This is particularly significant considering that China did not send any enriched uranium to the US from 2020 to 2022.

In May 2024, the month President Biden signed the ban, China again sent a large quantity of uranium to the US, totalling 123,894 kilograms (273,139 lb).

The US Department of Energy, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, is closely monitoring imports from China to ensure compliance with the recently enacted Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act.

Officials are vigilant in tracking imports from China and other countries to prevent any potential schemes involving the import of Russian uranium disguised as domestically produced material.

While there has been no immediate response from the Chinese foreign ministry, Russia remains the world’s largest exporter of enriched uranium.

Despite the US ban, Russia’s uranium exports to the US through July 2024 amounted to 313,050 kilograms, a 30 per cent drop compared to the previous year. However, the ban allows for limited Russian imports until 2028 to address potential supply concerns.

Attribution: Reuters

Subediting: M. S. Salama