Depleted uranium and thorium imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United States imported depleted uranium and thorium worth $24.5 million (55 tonnes). That makes it the largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 104 countries. Value rose 54% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 49% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $24.5M | 55 t |
| 2023 | $15.9M | 42 t |
| 2022 | $16.6M | 139 t |
| 2021 | $839K | 15 t |
| 2020 | $323K | 44 t |
| 2019 | $308K | 30 t |
| 2018 | $700K | 17 t |
| 2017 | $1.5M | 38 t |
Where the United States imports depleted uranium and thorium from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 90% of the value. Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+52% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $22.0M | 90% |
| Australia | $1.2M | 4.9% |
| Canada | $584K | 2.4% |
| France | $365K | 1.5% |
| India | $115K | 0.5% |
| United Kingdom | $82K | 0.3% |
| Malaysia | $60K | 0.2% |
| Switzerland | $27K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $13K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $13K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $446.85 per kg, 1108% above the world average of $36.99. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Depleted uranium and thorium exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported depleted uranium and thorium worth $11.3 million (72 tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 57 countries. Most of it went to Belgium (49%), Qatar (10%), Egypt (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Qatar grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $5.5M | 49% |
| Qatar | $1.2M | 10% |
| Egypt | $673K | 6% |
| Saudi Arabia | $670K | 5.9% |
| Singapore | $667K | 5.9% |
| Canada | $486K | 4.3% |
| United Kingdom | $455K | 4% |
| Italy | $308K | 2.7% |
| Brazil | $143K | 1.3% |
| Denmark | $135K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States depleted uranium and thorium imports (HS 2844.30): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2844.30: Uranium: depleted in U235, thorium, their compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium depleted in U235, thorium: compounds of these products.
Common questions
What is the value of depleted uranium and thorium imported by the United States?
The United States imported depleted uranium and thorium worth $24.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 55 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 104 countries worldwide, with 26% of world imports. The value was up 54% on 2023.
Which countries supply depleted uranium and thorium to the United States?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 90% of the value ($22.0 million), followed by Australia (5%) and Canada (2%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 625% on the year.
What is the average import price of depleted uranium and thorium per kg?
The average declared import value was about $446.85 per kg in 2024, 1108% above the world average of $36.99 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of depleted uranium and thorium to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.5 million in 2017 to $24.5 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $7.6 million a year.
Does the United States also export depleted uranium and thorium?
Yes. The United States exported $11.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Belgium, Qatar and Egypt. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $13.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for depleted uranium and thorium?
The HS code for depleted uranium and thorium is subheading 2844.30. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2844 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United States reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World depleted uranium and thorium trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United States
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