Tightened helium supply from Qatar is starting to affect semiconductor production, with companies scrambling to secure alternatives, according to Reuters.

Helium is a byproduct of natural gas processing and is critical in chipmaking for cooling, leak detection, and precision manufacturing, making the shortage highly disruptive.

Qatar produced ~63 million cubic meters of helium in 2025, roughly ~33% of global supply, and its Ras Laffan LNG facility, which produces helium, was recently damaged by an Iranian strike, threatening a major portion of the world’s supply.

As a result, producers and distributors are limiting shipments, with AirGas declaring force majeure and providing some customers only ~50% of normal monthly deliveries.

Healthcare customers are being prioritized, leaving chipmakers vulnerable to delays in sourcing helium.

If shortages persist, production cuts could ripple through electronics, automobiles, and smartphones.

Chipmakers like TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix could be forced to slow or pause production, compounding an already strained supply chain for AI and high-end electronics.

The tech sector is already racing to secure alternative helium sources, including from the US, to keep production on track.

Helium disruptions are now threatening the global tech supply chain.