U.S. Energy Department designates helium as critical material
The U.S. Department of Energy has officially designated helium as a critical material to bolster domestic manufacturing and supply chain security. This move aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources and support industries like semiconductor production that depend on helium.
Why it matters
Helium is a vital resource for high-tech manufacturing, particularly in the semiconductor industry, making its supply chain security a matter of national economic and technological interest.
U.S. Energy Department designates helium as critical material left Image used for representational purposes only. Getty Images/iStockphoto Getty Images/iStockphoto https://th-i.thgim.com/public/news/national/4rvfed/article71617794.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/iStock-531069788.jpg scanrail See also: The designation advances the Trump administration’s push to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign critical minerals, bolster domestic manufacturing and secure key materials for economic and national security, says U.S. Department of Energy The U.S. Department of Energy said on Friday (October 23, 2026) that Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has designated helium as a critical material under the Energy Act of 2020 to strengthen American manufacturing and supply chain security. The designation advances the Trump administration’s push to reduce U.S.
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