China has imposed a temporary ban on exports of helium, with the restrictions taking effect immediately, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs announced on Friday.The announcement said the measure was introduced under the Foreign Trade Law, but did not specify any destination markets or exemptions, which implied the ban applies to all overseas shipments.Helium, a by-product of liquefied natural gas production, is a critical input for a range of sectors including semiconductors, medical equipment and aerospace.Global supplies of the gas have faced severe disruptions in recent months amid the US-Israel war on Iran, which forced a major facility in Qatar to close and affected shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.China is heavily reliant on imports of helium, with more than 80 per cent of its supplies coming from overseas, according to Chinese commodities data provider SCI99.More to follow …