Inert gases

• Neon (gas)

2022: Russia bans inert gas exports for chip production

In early June 2022, it became known about restrictions on the supply of inert gases from Russia abroad. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Vasily Shpak believes that this decision will strengthen the position of the Russian Federation in the global semiconductor industry.

According to TASS, Russia has limited the export of inert gases, including neon, to unfriendly countries. Inert gases include, in particular, argon and helium, which are used in the production of semiconductors. Until December 31, 2022, inclusive, the export of goods belonging to the position "Inert gases, others" outside the territory of the Russian Federation is carried out according to government decisions on the basis of proposals from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, follows from government decree of 30.05.2022 No. 987.

Russia bans exports of inert gases for chip production

As a source in the financial and economic block of the government told Izvestia, Russia decided to remind unfriendly countries of their import dependence. Now the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade will determine who will have access to neon, krypton, xenon - key and critical gases for the production of semiconductors. Russia supplies up to 30% of neon in the world.

We have sufficient opportunities, we are represented in this market. And in the near future we plan to increase production capacity. We believe that we will have the opportunity to be heard in this world chain and this will give us some competitive advantages if it is necessary to build mutually beneficial negotiations with our colleagues, "said Vasily Shpak.

He added that about 4 thousand different materials and chemistry are used for the production of semiconductors.

Restrictions on the export of inert gases from Russia were a response to the ban on the Taiwanese authorities to supply semiconductors necessary for the production of microcircuits to the Russian Federation.^[1]

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