Blocked Strait of Hormuz: Helium shortage affects chip production
A considerable part of the world's helium comes from Qatar, but it cannot be delivered currently. This is now affecting semiconductor production.
The Strait of Hormuz from the perspective of the ISS
(Image: NASA)
The absence of a significant portion of helium supplies, resulting from the Iran war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, is now being felt in the semiconductor industry's supply chains. Reuters reports this, citing industry experts. The noble gas is a byproduct of natural gas extraction and processing, and about a third of the global supply has so far come from Qatar, the largest producer after the US. Its price had already risen sharply after the start of the war, and according to the New York Times, it jumped again after an Iranian attack on the largest Qatari natural gas liquefaction plant. The repair of the helium production facility there could take years.
“Serious Problem”
According to reports, helium is used in various parts of the semiconductor production chain, including for cooling, leak detection, and precision manufacturing. There are no real alternatives. Manufacturers like TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix could face problems keeping production lines running, writes the New York Times. This could lead to piling issues in the entire IT industry, with consequences that are currently unforeseeable. Since the element is also used elsewhere, a shortage could also affect scientific research, medicine, and space travel. “A helium shortage is an absolute concern,” summarizes supply chain expert Cameron Johnson to Reuters.
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The Strait of Hormuz forms the exit of the Persian Gulf; all ships entering or leaving must pass through it. After Israel and the US began attacking Iran a month ago, the Islamic Republic threatened these ships, effectively blocking the sea route. So far, the consequences of this blockade for the global supply of oil and gas have been the primary topic of public discussion, but other supply chains are slowly coming into focus. A significant portion of global helium, as well as a large part of fertilizer for agriculture worldwide, is transported through this narrow waterway. A prolonged blockade could also have dramatic consequences here.
The IT industry can currently do without additional bottlenecks in chip production: The huge demand for memory chips and processors for building AI data centers is already leading to an acute shortage and sharply rising prices. Experts have long feared that the war against Iran and the attacks in the region could exacerbate this crisis. A helium shortage could now force manufacturers to prioritize AI chips even more strongly over standard chips. So far, there is no indication that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened soon and safe passage will be possible.
(mho)
