China vows helium-trade policy changes as global tightening squeezes gas supplies

China will adjust its export controls on helium in response to changes in domestic and global supply conditions, after temporarily suspending overseas shipments of the gas last week amid a tightening global supply situation.

The Ministry of Commerce said the temporary export ban was in line with the country’s foreign trade laws and World Trade Organization rules.

“China is a major importer of helium,” ministry spokesman He Yadong said, adding that the temporary ban was to “safeguard domestic...