Memory supply delayed again? Qatar helium may be cut off, Samsung and SK Hynix urgently inventory stock

The escalating Middle East tensions are affecting the global semiconductor supply chain. As conflicts between the US and Iran trigger shipping disruptions, the supply of helium—a critical material essential for semiconductor manufacturing—has become uncertain. Major chip manufacturers like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have entered emergency inventory checks and contingency planning. According to South Korean media, up to 80% of the helium used in Korea’s semiconductor industry by 2025 comes from Qatar.

International shipping is blocked in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting helium supply

The Korea Economic Daily reports that recently, ships transporting helium through the key Middle Eastern route, the Strait of Hormuz, have been restricted, causing bottlenecks in raw material transportation. Since global helium supply is highly concentrated in Qatar, any shipping disruptions could quickly pressure the semiconductor industry.

Helium is an important industrial gas in wafer manufacturing, mainly used in the process chambers of semiconductor equipment to remove residual gases and impurities after processing. Due to the extreme sensitivity of nanometer-scale chip fabrication to contamination, semiconductor processes typically use ultra-high purity helium with a purity of 99.9999% (6N). This means that if helium supply issues arise, they will directly impact wafer factory efficiency and capacity.

South Korea’s helium supply heavily dependent on Qatar

Currently, Korea’s semiconductor industry’s helium supply is highly concentrated in the Middle East. According to Korea Customs Service data, Korea’s helium imports in 2025 are estimated at about $227 million, with 64% coming from Qatar and 28% from the US. For high-purity helium used specifically in semiconductors, nearly 80% originates from Qatar. In other words, if Middle Eastern logistics are disrupted, finding alternative sources in the short term will be difficult.

Helium sources are closely linked to the natural gas industry. Qatar produces liquefied natural gas (LNG) by cooling natural gas below -162°C, during which 0.1% to 0.5% of helium can be separated from natural gas. These helium gases are then shipped overseas and further purified into high-purity products required for semiconductor processes.

In the Korean market, helium supply is mainly controlled by three global industrial gas companies: Linde, Air Products, and Air Liquide. These companies typically source raw materials from Qatar and then refine them locally in Korea to produce high-purity helium, which is supplied to chip manufacturers like Samsung and SK Hynix.

Semiconductor industry: Short-term helium substitution is challenging

Industry insiders point out that if Middle Eastern shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are blocked, it will be difficult to find alternative helium sources in the short term. Samsung and SK Hynix have already begun closely monitoring their helium inventories and are discussing expanding helium recycling and reuse systems to reduce supply risks. Additionally, the industry is evaluating new supply sources, with the US considered the most feasible alternative due to its stable quality and some existing experience in wafer fabs. Even if prices are higher, it can quickly fill the gap.

This article, “Memory supply delayed again? Qatar helium may be cut off, Samsung and SK Hynix urgently check inventories,” was first published on Chain News ABMedia.