Drone strikes halt a third of the world's helium supply, threatening chip production

A series of Iranian drone strikes has shut down Qatar’s Ras Laffan helium facility, which supplies nearly one‑third of the world’s helium, causing an immediate 30% drop in global availability. Helium is essential for semiconductor manufacturing, where it cools silicon wafers and enables precise lithography, and there is no viable substitute. South Korea and Taiwan—responsible for over a third of global chip output—are the most exposed, prompting emergency reviews of critical materials and contingency plans. If the outage lasts beyond two weeks, experts warn of months‑long logistical disruptions and potential ripple effects across the global electronics supply chain.

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