MOFCOM BJT
Q: Recently, MOFCOM and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China issued a notice deciding to impose a temporary ban on helium exports. As a rare and strategic resource, helium is widely used in high-end manufacturing sectors such as semiconductor production, as well as in defense applications. Could you please explain the primary reasons for implementing the temporary export ban? (MOFCOM Regular Press Conference July 16, 2026)
A: China is a major importer of helium. To ensure domestic supply, MOFCOM and the General Administration of Customs have jointly issued a notice deciding to impose a temporary ban on helium exports. This measure is in compliance with relevant provisions of the Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China and the rules of the World Trade Organization. Going forward, we will adjust our export management policies as appropriate, based on changes in the domestic and international supply and demand of helium.