China imposes temporary helium export ban to secure domestic supply (heise.de)

• China imposes temporary helium export ban effective July 16, 2026.
• Country imports over 85% of helium, half from Qatar.
• Measure responds to Iran war supply disruptions and Russian export restrictions.

"China has imposed a temporary ban on helium exports to ensure domestic supply. The country imports over 85% of its helium, mainly from Qatar. The move responds to supply disruptions from the Iran war and prior Russian export restrictions. Helium is critical for semiconductor manufacturing, especially for AI chips."