China Bans Helium Exports Vital for Semiconductor Production

China has imposed an immediate export ban on helium, a critical coolant and inspection material in semiconductor manufacturing, joining its list of controlled exports alongside gallium and rare earths. The ban is expected to tighten helium supply in Asia and raise prices, though South Korea's direct exposure is limited given its reliance on Qatar (64.7%) and US (27.1%) sources. If you make semiconductor equipment or chips outside the US and Qatar, your helium costs just went up and your supply window just narrowed. Asia's spot market for helium will tighten fast—lock in long-term contracts now or source from US suppliers before prices move.