US designates helium critical material for semiconductors

The U.S. Energy Department on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, designated helium a critical material, citing its essential role in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced energy technologies. The designation makes federal financing more available to helium producers and increases government monitoring. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said helium is essential to producing the semiconductors and advanced technologies that power our economy, and that the move secures supply chains, creates American jobs, and ensures U.S. leadership in energy and technological innovation. Assistant Secretary Audrey Robertson said DOE is taking decisive action to ensure American manufacturers have reliable access to helium. The United States is the world's largest helium producer but has limited domestic refining capacity. The Strait of Hormuz closure in February trapped one-third of global helium supply in the Persian Gulf, and Iranian strikes in March hit Ras Laffan in Qatar. Russia imposed temporary export limits in April; China imposed a temporary export ban in July. A 60 Minutes report on the Iran war's impact on helium supply aired days before. DOE last designated a critical material in 2025, metallurgical coal, and there are now 20. Commerce a day earlier planned up to $389 million for semiconductor and materials R&D. No contested claims appear in the record.