China imposes temporary helium export ban amid Iran conflict disruptions

China has imposed an immediate temporary ban on helium exports, a move that could further strain the global semiconductor supply chain as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupt supplies of the critical industrial gas.

In a joint announcement on Friday, China's Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs said the export restrictions had taken effect immediately under the country's Foreign Trade Law. The notice did not specify any destination countries or exemptions, indicating the ban applies to all overseas shipments.

Helium is an essential raw material used in semiconductor manufacturing, medical imaging equipment, aerospace applications, fibre optics and scientific research. Although China relies on imports for more than 80 per cent of its helium demand, the country also processes and re-exports the gas to overseas markets.

The export curbs come at a time when global helium supplies are already under pressure. The ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran has disrupted production after a major helium facility in Qatar was forced to shut down, while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has also been affected.

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The latest move is expected to heighten concerns among chipmakers and manufacturers worldwide, who are already grappling with supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions. Any prolonged restrictions on helium availability could impact semiconductor production and industries dependent on the gas.

China did not provide a timeline for lifting the temporary ban or explain the specific reasons behind the measure.