Helium Supply Chain Disruption

I read an article today that helium supply chain is at risk. The US imports most of its helium from Qatar. There are currently multiple cargo ships full of helium that are not moving due to the Strait of Hormuz. Helium is used in seem-conductor processing, and domestic companies are now scrambling for supply. Short term - Nividia just announced a 15% price increase. Expect helium supply to be a focal point of questions during the earnings call. If investors get skiddish around supply, it could impact trading due to forecasted growth if the supply chain doesn’t get sorted out. Long term - Darpa could announce investment in domestic helium companies in the name of national security if the US feels critical helium supply should be re-shored. An announcement could come within 6-12 months depending upon what happens with the Strait, but given the sensitivity- it seems inevitable that the US would be looking to re-shore it. Something to keep an eye on. Might turn into a future opportunity? There aren’t pure helium producers in the US that I could find. Air gas and a couple others are the primary distributors of helium. There are a few mining companies on the OTC with claims, but these seem high risk. Maybe a wide open market that could emerge if market conditions continue? Any thoughts on how to approach this one?