US names helium a critical material as Europe faces supply disruptions
The US Energy Department has designated helium a critical material, making federal funding more available to producers and bringing the gas under closer government monitoring. The department cited helium’s role in semiconductor manufacturing and energy production, alongside risks to global supply: Qatar’s exports have been disrupted, and Russia and China have imposed export restrictions. Europe is also struggling to secure supplies.
Bottom line — The US is the world’s largest helium producer, but its extraction plants are already at capacity, according to the Energy Department.
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Euronews reports that Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on Qatari infrastructure have disrupted Qatar’s helium exports.
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Russia introduced temporary helium export restrictions in April to protect its domestic market, according to Euronews and The Independent.
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China imposed a temporary export ban in July; Euronews says China has been a transit hub for Russian helium reaching Europe.
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The EU banned direct imports of Russian helium in 2024, though some supplies reportedly continued to reach European markets through China, Euronews reports.
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The Independent says helium is the 20th material on the Energy Department’s critical-material list; fluorine is the only other gas on it.
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US production was 81 million cubic metres in 2025, or 43% of global supply, while exports totalled 38 million cubic metres, The Independent reports.
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The Energy Department says permitting and building new extraction plants takes years, constraining the prospect of expanding US output.