China defends helium export controls as supply safeguard

China has introduced temporary export controls on helium to secure domestic supply amid global market tightening, citing rising demand from AI-driven semiconductor manufacturing. The move is a supply-side safeguard rather than a geopolitical weapon, as China imports over 85% of its helium and faces competition from exporters seeking to capitalise on elevated global prices.

This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Semiconductors and AI Infrastructure.