( July 16, 2026, 08:36 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: China’s Ministry of Commerce said at a press conference on Thursday that it may adjust temporary helium export controls as domestic and international supply and demand change. Responding to a question about the measure, a ministry spokesperson said China imposed the temporary export ban because it is a major helium importer and needs to safeguard domestic supply. The ban, announced Friday, took effect immediately. Helium is widely used in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, medical imaging and fiber-optic production.Excerpt of the transcript follows (in Chinese)....
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