economy
March 12, 2026
Shipping disruptions spread beyond oil: Helium, sulfur, and semiconductors
The pause in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is creating economic disruptions beyond the oil and natural gas markets, affecting the shipment of goods and commodities needed for semiconductors, fertilizer, and more.
TL;DR
- The Strait of Hormuz closure is impacting more than just oil and natural gas markets.
- Helium, crucial for semiconductor production in South Korea, is affected as Qatar relies on the strait for exports.
- Sulfur, used in semiconductor cleaning, has seen a 15% price increase in China, with 45% of global sulfur exports originating from the Gulf.
- Bromine, another semiconductor manufacturing component, is also affected.
- Nearly one-third of global seaborne fertilizer trade passes through the strait, disrupting exports of ammonia, urea, and nitrogen.
- Urea prices have risen significantly, with concerns raised about the impact on farmers due to inflation and declining crop prices.
- Three vessels were reportedly hit by projectiles off the coast of Iran.
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