The Russian government indicated that these temporary measures are a reaction to the U.S. ban on Russian uranium imports, enacted earlier this year, although it includes provisions that permit continued shipments if supply issues arise until 2027.
As the sixth largest uranium producer globally, Russia holds around 44% of the world's uranium enrichment capacity. In 2023, the U.S. and China were the leading importers of Russian uranium, followed by South Korea and France.
During a government meeting on September 11, President Vladimir Putin suggested that Moscow should contemplate restricting exports of uranium, titanium, and nickel in response to Western sanctions. The decree issued on Friday marks the first concrete action following Putin's remarks in September.
Last year, Russia supplied 27% of the enriched uranium used by U.S. commercial nuclear reactors. From January to July of this year, U.S. imports from Russia totaled 313,050 kilograms (690,160 pounds), reflecting a 30% decrease compared to the previous year.
It remains uncertain whether the U.S. has received any uranium from Russia since the ban took effect in August. According to the Russian government's decree, companies authorized by the export control authority are still permitted to export uranium to the United States.
Additionally, the U.S. is investigating a notable increase in enriched uranium imports from China since late 2023, amid concerns that these shipments may be enabling Russia to circumvent the U.S. ban on importing this fuel for power plants.