On Friday evening, July 13, 2019, President Trump declared that U.S. imports of uranium do not pose a national security threat under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

The President’s decision is surprising as the Administration has been strongly protectionist and has previously imposed Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. Additionally, the decision goes against the U.S. Department of Commerce’s findings that imported uranium poses a threat to U.S. national security.

The President did, however, establish the United States Nuclear Fuel Working Group to analyze the entire nuclear fuel supply chain and find new ways to revitalize U.S. production. The Working Group will be comprised of a number of department representatives who are directed to submit a report on their findings within 90 days.

The United States imports approximately 93 percent of its commercial uranium.