The United States nuclear sector’s domestic uranium purchasing was up sharply in 2024, according to a recent annual report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
In EIA’s Uranium Marketing Annual Report, released Sept. 30, U.S. owners and operators of commercial nuclear power reactors purchased a total of 55.9 million pounds of U3O8e deliveries from U.S. and foreign suppliers in 2024.
The 2024 total was 8% higher than 2023 total of 51.6 million pounds U3O8e, according to the report.
The U.S.-origin uranium made up 8% of the total deliveries in 2024. This was a jump from 5% of the deliveries in 2023.
While the country saw an increase in its domestic uranium purchasing, the United States still relies heavily on foreign suppliers.
According to the report, Canada was the top foreign source., making up 36% of total deliveries. Canadian-origin uranium purchases increased 9% between 2023 (27%) and 2024.
Following Canada were Kazakhstan and Australia with 24% and 17% respectively. Uzbekistan-origin material made up 9% of total deliveries, while Namibia-origin and Russian-origin material accounted for 4% each, EIA said.
U.S.-origin uranium purchase eclipsed Russian-origin purchase last year after Russia-origin material purchase made up 12% of total deliveries in 2023.
The United States is seeking to wean itself off Russian uranium imports. Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed a law last year banning the import of the nuclear material from Russia starting in 2028. The move was triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.