China announces temporary export ban on helium due to escalated tensions in West Asia
China has announced a temporary export ban on helium due to escalated tensions in West Asia.
The ban, which took effect upon announcement, was made in a joint notice released on Friday by the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs.
The notice explained that the helium export ban is in accordance with China's foreign trade law.
It added that additional changes will be announced separately.
By imposing the export ban, Chinese officials aim to secure the domestic supply chain amid rising global tensions.
International trade experts say the export ban by one of the world's top manufacturers of critical items and commodities used in different industries will affect the global supply and prices.
China's temporary export ban on helium takes place amid the resumption of military conflict in West Asia, threatening to trigger new shortages of helium, which is used in the electronics industry by chip manufacturers.
Helium is an essential gas component used in semiconductor manufacturing.
Earlier this year, China announced an export ban on sulfuric acid.
The unprovoked US-Israeli war on Iran and the effective blockage of the Strait of Hormuz triggered a shortage of sulfuric acid, with prices on the rise after shipments in the region, which accounts for a quarter of global production, were largely stalled since the military strikes began on February 28.
Sulfuric acid is a critical chemical ingredient used for fertilizer production, metal processing and battery manufacturing.
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