China announced on Friday a temporary ban on helium exports, effective immediately, as renewed military conflict in the Middle East threatens to trigger fresh shortages of the gas, which is critical for semiconductor manufacturing. Earlier this year, the US-Israeli war on Iran caused helium shortag»»»

BEIJING - China announced on July 10 a temporary export ban on helium, effective immediately, as resumption of military conflict in the Middle East threatens to trigger new shortages of the gas critical for chip manufacturing. Earlier in 2026, the US-Israeli war on Iran led to helium shortages, dis»»»