https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/us-designates-helium-as-critical-amid-european-supply-squeezeContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/us-designates-helium-as-critical-amid-european-supply-squeezehttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/us-designates-helium-as-critical-amid-european-supply-squeeze#u165927Sat, 31 Oct 2026 12:51:59 +0000The United States government officially classified helium as a critical material amid a severe supply squeeze affecting Europe. Global supplies face intense pressure due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East alongside export restrictions implemented by Russia and China. This rare gas is vital for manufacturing semiconductors and advanced microchips. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the administration aims to eliminate American dependence on foreign critical materials. Meanwhile, the industrial sector received a major policy boost from the Department of Energy as spot prices tripled f