World · 10 July 2026
China stops helium exports as Middle East fighting threatens chip supplies
Earlier shortages after the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted companies worldwide, including China’s growing AI chip industry, where helium helps cool semiconductor production. China announced the export ban on Friday to avoid domestic shortages as fighting resumed in the Middle East. Analysts say China imports about 85% of its helium, with Qatar supplying more than half in recent years.
Reported by Reuters · How we write briefs