Helium squeeze: Iran war risks choking microchip supply

Helium squeeze: Iran war risks choking microchip supply

The US-Israeli war on Iran is starting to hit where it hurts most — the microchip industry.

Qatari gas disruption is choking helium output — a critical by-product used in chip-making. Less natural gas production means less helium — and without helium, chip factories can’t run.

The danger isn’t immediate. But if shortages outlast stockpile buffers of around six weeks, the crisis will escalate fast:

spot helium prices could jump by 50% to 200%

contract prices may rise by 20% to 40%

helium only makes up about 0.5% to 1% of chip costs — but it is essential for production

Even if gas supplies resume, recovery may take weeks to months — keeping supply short.

US-Israel-Iran war | @geopolitics_prime

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