China Suspends Helium Exports Amid Middle East War
According to Sedaye Sama, citing the Associated Press, the Chinese government has temporarily suspended exports of helium, a critical element used in semiconductor manufacturing. The move comes amid the escalation of the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran and growing disruptions to the global supply of the gas.
China’s Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs announced on Friday, in a brief statement, that the temporary export ban on helium has taken immediate effect in accordance with the Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China.
The two agencies did not provide further details regarding the reasons behind the decision.
Helium is essential for semiconductor production and is also used in the medical sector to cool MRI machines. Since the outbreak of the war against Iran in late February, global helium supplies have been disrupted, leading to a significant increase in prices.
According to estimates by consultancy Trivium China, China produces only about 15 percent—or less—of its domestic helium demand and imports most of its supply from Qatar, which accounts for nearly one-third of global helium production.
Gary Ng, Senior Economist at France’s Natixis Bank, said China is seeking to protect its domestic industries from the tightening global helium supply.
He added that the export controls are primarily intended to support domestic industry, particularly given helium’s critical role in semiconductor manufacturing.
Ng emphasized that the decision is likely aimed more at ensuring domestic supply than at serving political objectives.
The measure comes as China intensifies its efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in semiconductor production and artificial intelligence development amid growing technological competition with the United States.
Cameron Johnson, Senior Partner at Shanghai-based Tidalwave Solutions, said it remains unclear when global helium supplies will return to normal.
