News
Samsung and SK hynix monitor daily helium supply as spot prices surge 50 percent
Friday, March 13, 2026 at 12:53 PM
Samsung and SK hynix are monitoring helium supplies daily as spot prices for the gas have surged by over 50%. While helium is a minor part of overall production costs, the companies are prioritizing supply security over price negotiations to avoid any potential fabrication disruptions and are currently building up inventories at market rates.
Context
As of March 27, 2026, a critical helium shortage triggered by the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict is threatening global semiconductor production. Following drone and missile strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial complex, approximately one-third of the world’s helium supply has gone offline. South Korea is uniquely vulnerable, as it historically sources over 64% of its helium from Qatar. While major chipmakers like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix maintain strategic reserves of roughly six months, operational on-site inventory at fabrication plants typically lasts only one week, necessitating continuous inbound shipments that are currently paralyzed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Spot prices for helium have already surged by 50% to 100%, with analysts warning costs could hit $2,000 per thousand cubic feet. Because helium has no viable substitute for wafer cooling and photolithography, Samsung and SK hynix are reportedly accepting these market prices without resistance to prevent catastrophic production halts. Industrial gas leaders like Air Liquide are attempting to reallocate supply from the United States, but the 6N grade (99.9999% purity) required for advanced AI chips remains in extreme deficit. If the disruption persists beyond the short term, the bottleneck is expected to ripple through the supply chains for AI servers, smartphones, and automotive electronics.
Sources (10)
Korea, Taiwan chip sectors most exposed to helium shortage amid Middle East war: Fitch | South China Morning PostAluminum, helium supply shortage weighs on Korean electronics industry - The Korea TimesHelium shortage has started impacting tech supply chains, execs say | ReutersMiddle East conflict raises helium supply risks for South Korean chipmakersThe Iran war is threatening supply helium. What it means for marketsAn Invisible Bottleneck: A Helium Shortage Threatens the Chip Industry - The New York Times[News] Under Qatar’s Shadow: Helium Crunch Hits South Korea Harder, Putting Samsung, SK hynix, TSMC in SpotlightLinde Revenue Potential Increases as Helium Market Moves Into Deficit | Investing.com
Related Companies
SK Hynix
000660
Samsung Electronics
005930