The Chinese government has banned exports of helium, a material essential to semiconductor production processes. The measure took effect immediately upon announcement.
China's Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs (tariff agency) said on the 10th in a notice that they will implement a temporary export ban on helium. The measure was taken based on provisions of China's Foreign Trade Act.
The specific implementation background and the duration of the ban were not disclosed. The Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs said, "Follow-up adjustments will be announced in a separate notice."
Helium is used as a coolant in semiconductor and display manufacturing. However, China is not a country that produces much helium. Helium is mainly produced in the United States, Qatar and Russia. According to the Korea International Trade Association, of the helium Korea imported last year, 64.7% came from Qatar, followed by 27.1% from the United States, 6.2% from Russia and 2% from other countries.