Inventory overhang will plague global uranium market
Subject The outlook for the global uranium market. Significance Despite a fall in uranium mining production by 8 million pounds (mlb) in 2014, the market is oversupplied, with shipments standing at 191 mlb versus demand of 168 mlb. Underpinned by 276 transactions, the market remains quiet and the spot price has stabilised between 38 and 40 dollars a pound (lb) since end-February. The prevailing pessimism owes to massive inventories accumulated by utilities. Impacts If upheld by the courts, ConverDyn's allegations of market dumping by the US DOE could limit DOE sales. Russia-Kazakhstan tensions are limited, but any escalation could spark concerns regarding the security of Kazakhstan's uranium supplies. While unlikely, sanctions targeting Russian enrichment capacity could remove 18 mlb from the global supply, or 10% of annual demand.