After previously announcing vast helium shortage-induced cutbacks, a number of industrial gas companies in Japan have softened their stance on reduced helium deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2007 and are now planning to trim deliveries by only 10%, rather than 20-30%.
Amid rising demand, slowing production and tightening supplies it had earlier been reported that cutbacks in helium, used to make semiconductors and flat panel TV’s, were due and would impede production of various electronic devices by the end of the year.
Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corp. was reported to have already warned customers it would shut off nearly a third of supplies, while Iwatani International Corp. and Air Liquide Japan were also believed to be planning significant cutbacks in deliveries.
Now however, companies are pulling back on such aggressive plans and are only anticipating cutbacks of around 10% compared to the 20-30% previously expected.
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