Helium crisis and impact on the semiconductor industry

The opening of Air Liquide's new factory in Taiwan comes at a critical time for the semiconductor industry, which is grappling with a growing helium shortage. This gas is essential in various stages of the chip manufacturing process, including cooling and cleaning processes.

The situation is further complicated by the presence of approximately 200 specialized helium transport containers stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route for global trade. These delivery delays risk further exacerbating the helium shortage and negatively impacting chip production worldwide.

The dependence on stable supplies of special gases such as helium highlights the vulnerability of global supply chains, especially in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors. Geopolitical and logistical events can have significant repercussions on production capacity and costs.