The United States was the largest exporter with 36% of the world total, and Canada was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Nuclear waste management covers the handling, treatment, storage and disposal of radioactive waste from power plants, medicine and industry. Buyers are utilities, hospitals and government agencies.
Typical segments
- Low level waste
- Intermediate level waste
- High level waste
- Treatment and conditioning
- Disposal sites
Why this market is moving now
- World trade shrank 57% from 2022 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- The Netherlands is gaining ground: its exports rose 45% from 2022 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of radioactive residues (HS 284444), the trade category that includes nuclear waste management, were worth $26.9 million in 2024. | 26.9 USD million | 2024 | |
| World exports were 57% lower in 2024 than in 2022 ($62.9 million), calculated from the annual totals. | -57 % since 2022 | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest exporter in 2024, with 36% of world exports ($9.7 million). | 36 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, the United States, Australia and France, shipped 65% of world exports in 2024. | 65 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Canada was the largest importer in 2024, buying $5.8 million, or 21% of world imports. | 21 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 6 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 6 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $152.06 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 152.06 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 177 tonnes of this product in 2024. | 177 tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, the Netherlands grew fastest, with exports up 45% from 2022 to 2024. | +45 % since 2022 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Nuclear utilities
- Government agencies
- Hospitals and laboratories
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global nuclear waste management market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 284444 reached $26.9 million in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most nuclear waste management?
The United States led world exports in 2024 with 36% of the total, followed by Australia, France and the Netherlands.
Which countries import the most nuclear waste management?
Canada was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Indonesia, Norway and the United States.
Is world trade in nuclear waste management growing?
World exports were 57% lower in 2024 than in 2022.
What is the average export price of nuclear waste management?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $152.06 per kilogram in 2024.
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