<p>With the progression of global climate change, the rising demand for nuclear energy as a crucial solution has concurrently increased the need for uranium, an essential component of nuclear power. This paper analyzes the global uranium trade through a competitive lens, reviews temporal changes in the competitive landscape, and investigates the determinants of the uranium trade competition. This research examines the dynamics of competition within the global uranium market from 2002 to 2022 by applying complex network theory. Moreover, an extended gravity model was used to analyze the factors influencing uranium import competition. The results show that there is a downward trend in the average intensity of competition among global uranium importers and an upward trend in the closeness of competition. Additionally, the competitive intensity among countries is distributed unevenly, with less than 20 percent of relationships contributing to over 90 percent of the intensity. Besides, the core structure initially led by the United States has gradually transitioned into a more diversified competition network involving European and Asian countries, with China, Germany, and the Netherlands increasingly advancing their positions. Finally, regarding the influencing factors, the Gross Domestic Product, nuclear energy consumption, the capacity of government, and inter-state relations can drive competition among countries, while distance, common official language with other countries, and global production impede competition among countries. Drawing from this analysis, this paper offers targeted policy recommendations designed to assist uranium importing nations in adapting the existing global competitive landscape.</p>