Why the Global Helium Shortage Is Bad News for Your Supply Chain

Global helium supplies are low yet again due to severe disruptions such as the Amur helium plant shutdown, unplanned maintenance at the US Bureau of Land Management, and reduced production in Qatar. Known as the “Helium Shortage 4.0”, it is heavily impacting industries ranging from semiconductors, healthcare, aerospace, (and more) as helium prices increase at an alarming rate of 30%. As the demand for helium is increasing at a dizzying pace, due to significant growth in semiconductor manufacturing and medical imaging, the added pressure to the supply of helium is intended to last through 2022 and into 2023.