South Korean semiconductor manufacturers have helium inventories that are expected to last until June, according to industry sources, as supply chain disruptions affect global availability of the critical gas.

Helium is essential for semiconductor manufacturing processes and is also used in medical equipment production. The gas is primarily obtained as a byproduct of natural gas processing operations.

The supply concerns come amid broader impacts on commodity markets from ongoing regional conflicts, which have affected various materials beyond traditional energy products like oil. Aluminum supplies have also been impacted by the same geopolitical tensions.

Semiconductor manufacturing requires helium for cooling and creating inert atmospheres during chip production processes. Any shortage of the gas could potentially disrupt production schedules for South Korean chipmakers, which are major suppliers to global technology markets.

The June timeline suggests manufacturers may need to secure alternative supply sources or adjust production plans if current geopolitical situations continue to affect helium availability through traditional supply channels.