US Declares Helium a Critical Material, Citing Its Role in Semiconductors

US designates helium as a critical material

The US government has added helium to its list of critical materials, pointing to its essential role in semiconductor manufacturing. The designation reflects growing concern over supply chains for a gas best known for party balloons but indispensable to chipmaking and advanced technology. AP News reports the move as part of a broader push to secure materials deemed vital to national and economic security.