The Manufacturing Base For Proliferation-Sensitive Items

Counter-proliferation efforts against illicit trade in nuclear-related dual-use materials can be enhanced with a better understanding of the manufacturing base of dual-use items - that is, where these items are made and how they are typically sold to end users. This article summarizes the global manufacturing base of several “chokepoint items” required for nuclear weapons production, and assesses trends in worldwide supply of these items. An aggregated picture of the global manufacturing base for proliferation-sensitive items has been built that can be useful for non-proliferation, counter-proliferation and export control researchers and practitioners. A case study on Iran further illustrates the relevance of supply-side analysis to non-proliferation research.