Published：Jul 10, 09:05Last updated：Jul 13, 08:23

China Bans Helium Exports Amid Global Supply Crunch

Jul. 10, 2026 09:05

On July 10, 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs announced a temporary ban on helium exports (customs code: 2804290010) under the Foreign Trade Law. The ban took effect immediately upon announcement, with further adjustments to be announced later.

Summarized

8News

7Media

Jul. 10, 2026 16:00

China has imposed temporary export controls on helium, citing national resource security. The 'golden gas,' vital for semiconductors and MRI machines, faces global supply disruptions due to Middle East conflicts and Russian export cuts. China imports over 80% of its helium, mainly from Qatar and Russia. Prices surged earlier this year but have since dropped by ~70% as Russian supplies resumed. The move aims to stabilize domestic high-tech industries.

Jul. 13, 2026 08:23

The U.S. has become the top helium supplier to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, crucial for chip production. Global helium supplies are strained due to the Iran war and Chinese export restrictions. A Nikkei Asia analysis of customs data highlights this shift. Tech companies in these regions rely heavily on helium for manufacturing. The U.S. is poised to gain even more market share under current conditions.

China has imposed an immediate temporary ban on helium exports, a critical material for semiconductor production and medical equipment, citing foreign trade regulations and national resource security concerns. The decision by China's Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs comes amid global supply disruptions caused by Middle East conflicts and previous Russian export cuts. Huanqiu+2

🚨 Export Ban Details

The export prohibition covers helium under customs code 2804290010 and took effect immediately upon announcement on July 10. China imports over 80% of its helium primarily from Qatar and Russia, despite being a significant consumer in high-tech industries. The government stated further adjustments would be announced separately. Chosun Ilbo+2

💻 Semiconductor Impact

Helium's role in chip manufacturing makes this ban particularly consequential for global tech supply chains. The move follows China's previous restrictions on materials like gallium and graphite, creating additional uncertainty for semiconductor producers worldwide. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have been forced to seek alternative suppliers. Toronto Star+1

🌍 Global Market Shift

The U.S. has emerged as the top helium supplier to key Asian tech economies following China's restrictions and Middle East supply disruptions. Customs data shows American exports filling the gap for chip manufacturers in these regions, with the U.S. Department of Energy positioned to gain further market share amid the ongoing supply crunch. China.org+1

⚖️ Domestic Priorities

China's decision reflects a strategic focus on securing domestic supply for its own high-tech industries rather than global market considerations. The country aims to stabilize its semiconductor and medical equipment manufacturing sectors while global helium prices remain volatile after recent fluctuations. Chosun Ilbo+1

QatarRussiaU.S. Department of EnergyChina Ministry of CommerceGeneral Administration of Customs