Why the Iran war matters for the world’s helium supply
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- Iran's recent attacks on Qatar's natural gas export facility have disrupted helium production at Qatar's Ras Laffan plant, which supplies about 30% of the world's helium, causing a projected 14% drop in annual helium exports.
- Helium is critical for advanced industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, medical imaging, and space exploration, with no viable substitutes currently available for its use in cooling semiconductor wafers during production.
- Helium prices have doubled since the crisis began, and supply shortages are expected to intensify in the coming weeks due to logistical challenges in transporting helium-filled containers stuck in the Middle East.
- The disruption poses a significant risk to Asian chipmakers, particularly in South Korea, which imports about 65% of its helium from
