A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted the global semiconductor supply chain since early March 2026. [1, 3, 5] The closure halted shipments of helium, bromine, sulfur, and chemical thinners like naphtha derivatives. [2, 6, 12] These disruptions caused prices for essential chip-making materials to surge. [2, 6, 12]
The crisis threatens major Asian chipmakers like Samsung and SK Hynix due to their reliance on Middle Eastern supplies. [11, 18] Qatar has cut off exports of helium, representing one-third of global supply. [1, 6]
Major foundries are currently operating on existing inventories. [12, 15, 20] Suppliers warn of impending shortages that will exacerbate a chip market already strained by AI demand. [12, 15, 20]