# US designates helium as critical material as Europe faces supply squeeze

https://mins.news/en/item/113250

- euronews, 2026-10-23 19:02 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/23/us-designates-helium-as-critical-material-as-europe-faces-supply-squeeze

> The US has designated helium a critical material as the Middle East war and export curbs by Russia and China tighten global supplies. Europe is scrambling to secure its share of the gas, which is vital to chipmaking.