U.S. Nuclear Export Industry Faces Challenges Against Integrated Russian and Chinese Models
The United States possesses world-class nuclear technology but is struggling to compete in the global nuclear export market against Russia and China. These competitor nations offer comprehensive, state-backed packages that include financing, construction, fuel, and training, which the U.S. decentralized system cannot match. The American nuclear sector is highly fragmented, with different entities responsible for technology development, project development, financing, licensing, research, diplomatic engagement, and export financing (through the Export-Import Bank, EXIM). This contrasts sharply with Russia's Rosatom, a state nuclear corporation that integrates all aspects of the civilian nuclear industry, and China's state-owned enterprises, which leverage massive domestic construction to build expertise and offer bundled export deals, often with significant financing. As a result, countries seeking nuclear power plants often prefer the certainty and standardization offered by Russia and China over the flexi...
