Qatar helium shutdown puts chip supply chain on a two-week clock — SK hynix forced to diversify after 30% of global supply removed from the market

Qatar's helium production shutdown due to Iranian drone strikes has caused a 30% reduction in global helium supply, impacting the chip industry. South Korea, heavily reliant on Qatari helium imports for chip fabrication, faces supply chain concerns. SK hynix has diversified its helium sources, while TSMC is monitoring the situation. The disruption highlights the vulnerability of semiconductor supply chains to geopolitical events, echoing past shortages triggered by conflicts.