Story perspectives

Qatar Helium Plant Shutdown Threatens Samsung, SK Hynix GPUs

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Qatar’s Ras Laffan helium plant shut down in 2026 after Iranian attacks, cutting ~30% of helium and exposing Korea’s 64% import reliance, threatening Samsung and SK Hynix.
Fabs use equipment from Linde, L'Air Liquide and Air Products and adopt nitrogen-based tools, with ASML and Applied Materials redesigning.
TSMC’s Arizona fab contracts give a helium buffer, with constraints could slow Samsung and SK Hynix output, affecting Nvidia GPUs, though Huang downplays risk.

1 of 1

Story summary

Qatar’s Ras Laffan helium plant shut down in 2026 after Iranian attacks, cutting ~30% of helium and exposing Korea’s 64% import reliance, threatening Samsung and SK Hynix.
Fabs use equipment from Linde, L'Air Liquide and Air Products and adopt nitrogen-based tools, with ASML and Applied Materials redesigning.
TSMC’s Arizona fab contracts give a helium buffer, with constraints could slow Samsung and SK Hynix output, affecting Nvidia GPUs, though Huang downplays risk.