Helium Gas Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Liquid and Gas), By Application (Healthcare and Electronics), and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

• 

   Request a Free Sample To Get More Information on this Market

HELIUM GAS MARKET OVERVIEW

The helium gas market size was valued at approximately USD 2.01 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.3 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.3% from 2025 to 2033.

Helium, the second most abundant element in the universe, is a colorless, odorless, and inert noble gas with distinct properties that make it indispensable in various industries. Due to its low boiling point, inertness, and high thermal conductivity, helium is used extensively in healthcare, electronics, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. The key use if helium in the healthcare industry is for MRI machines, where helium acts as a coolant for the superconducting magnets. The global helium market has been growing steadily due to increased demand in such key sectors and the development of new technologies which find heuristic uses for helium unique properties.

COVID-19 IMPACT

"Helium Gas Industry Had a Negative Effect Due to lockdowns during COVID-19 Pandemic"

COVID-19had amulti-facetedeffecton the helium market.The initialstagesof the pandemic showed a significant slowdown in industrial operations due to lockdowns and curfews, which temporarily decreased helium demand from manufacturing and aerospace sectors. Healthcare, on the other hand, saw ahigh increase in the use of helium, mainly attributed to the additional deployment of MRI machines and other medical equipmentneededforthediagnosisandtreatmentofCOVID-19-related complications. Thisincreaseddemand in healthcare partiallymitigatedthedeclinein othersectors. Supply chain disruptions alsopresenteddifficulties, as helium production and distribution wereaffectedbytransportationrestrictionsand workforceconstraints.

LATEST TREND

"Emerging technologies to Drive Market Growth"

Overthepast fewyears, the helium market hasexperiencedseveraltrendsthat are worth noting.Anarea ofsignificantgrowthis thegrowingdemand from the semiconductor industry as advanced electronics grow in popularity, and new technologies suchasartificial intelligence and quantum computingare becoming more prevalent. Heliumplays a criticalrole in semiconductor production, especially with cooling and the creation of inert atmosphere. There is also a growing trend to diversify helium sources, reducing the impact of geopolitical tension and finite resources. Research efforts arebeingpursuedtodevelopotherextraction methods.Theseincludetheproductionof heliumfrom unconventional natural gas reservesaswellas, in the far future, possiblylunar miningactivities. Sustainabilityisalsoapointoffocus:companiesare nowinvesting inrecycling technologiesfor heliumtominimizewaste andprovidea more reliable supply chain.

HELIUM GAS MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Liquid and Gas

• Liquid: Liquid helium maintains these ultra-cold temperatures, thus making the MRI machines very efficient and long-lasting. The other key area where liquid helium plays a part is in research laboratories and other scientific facilities, where it is necessary to conduct experiments based on cryogenics and quantum mechanics. In the aerospace industry, liquid helium is used for cooling rocket propulsion systems and purging fuel tanks in spacecraft before launch. Given its specialized applications, liquid helium remains a highly valuable and indispensable resource in industries that require extreme low-temperature environments.

• Gas:Gaseous helium is another significant type of helium used across various industries. Unlike liquid helium,thegaseousformisvaluedduetoits inert, low-density, and high thermal conductivitycharacters.The mostobvioususeof gaseous helium isits applicationin balloon inflation,whichincludesparty balloons, advertising blimps, and high-altitude weather balloonsdesignedtoresearchatmosphericconditions. Additionally, it iscommonlyusedin welding applications. Here,heliumservesasa shielding gas toprotectagainstoxidation and contaminationwhenusinghigh-temperature welding processes. The electronics industry alsodependson gaseous heliuminthesemiconductor manufacturingofmicrochipsandfiber optics, creatinga stable, non-reactive environment.Moreover, gaseous helium is used in deep-sea diving, where it is mixed with oxygen to create "helium-oxygen" breathing mixtures that reduce the risk of nitrogen narcosis for divers working at extreme depths.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Healthcare and Electronics.

• Healthcare: One of the most critical applications of helium gas is in the healthcare sector, where it is primarily used for cooling MRI machines. The superconducting magnets in MRI scanners require extremely low temperatures to function efficiently, which is why liquid helium is used as a coolant. Additionally, helium is employed in respiratory treatments for patients with breathing difficulties, particularly in helium-oxygen (Heliox) therapy. Heliox mixtures reduce airway resistance and help improve oxygen flow for individuals suffering from conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. In addition, helium is utilized in cryopreservation to preserve biological samples, including human cells, tissues, and reproductive materials such as sperm and eggs, for the purpose of medical research and fertility treatments.

• Electronics:The electronics industry is one of the largest consumers of helium gas because of its inertness and cooling properties. Helium is used in various applications manufacturing semiconductors, microchips, and fiber optics. It prevents contamination of the manufacturing environment.Duringsemiconductor fabrication,itisdependent upon a well-controlledtemperatureand an oxygen-free atmosphere,which helium provides.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

"Increasing Health Awareness to Boost the Market"

Chronicdiseasesareonthe rise,andwiththenecessityofhighsensitivityforearly diagnosis, there is enhanced demand for MRI machines, thereby increasing helium demand. Theresurgence ofthe aerospace industryandthegrowingtrendofspacemissions and satellite launchings has accelerated the demand for helium in many applications, particularlyrocket propulsionsystemsand coolingprocesses. Thesecumulativefactorspropeltheheliummarketinasteadyupwardtrajectory.

Restraining Factor

"Limited Availability to Potentially Impede Market Growth"

Helium faces the following challenges to its growth: The first main threat is that there is only so much helium produced, mainly recovered from natural gas fields that exhibit certain geological criteria. Due to the geographical concentrations of helium producing regions, geopolitics and economic market trend potentially threaten supply security. Other environmental considerations in the extraction of natural gas also pose potential risks that could lead to tighter regulations and thereby affect helium production. All these factors require exploring alternative sources and developing more efficient extraction technologies for long-term market stability.

Opportunity

"Innovation To Create Opportunity for the Product in the Market"

There are many opportunities for growth and innovation in the helium market. Invested effort in new discoveries and improvement of extraction methods is on the rise, and the hope of these increases should leas to increased supplies. There is a futuristic opportunity in the aspect that helium-3, an isotope of helium, is considered a source of nuclear fuel, opening avenues to further research on its potential for clean energy production. The breakthrough field of quantum computing, which needs ultra-low temperatures produced by liquid helium, is the new frontier for helium application. Additionally, the focus on sustainability and resource use efficiency is driving the development of helium recycling and reclamation technologies, which will provide business opportunities for innovative solutions to address both economic and environmental concerns.

Challenge

"Market volatility Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers"

The helium marketfacesseveral challenges toenjoycontinuousmomentum ingrowth. Supply chain vulnerabilitiesarisewherehelium production is geographically concentrated, creating the potential for disruption through geopolitics or natural disasters. The technicaldifficultiesinvolvedinhelium extraction,especiallyfrom lowconcentration sources, requireinvestment insophisticatedtechnologies. Market volatility,drivenby fluctuating demand and supplypatterns, canresultinprice instability for downstream end users. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort by all stakeholders to diversify supply sources, invest in technological advancement, and develop strategies that increase market resilience.

• 

   Request a Free Sample To Get Analysis on Major Geographic Market

HELIUM GAS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

TheNorthAmerican region,withthe United Statesin particular,ishometoamaturemarket for helium,giventhehistorical status of thisregionasone of thebiggestproducers and consumers of helium.The United States Helium gas market has a good share in the region.

A good health infrastructure along with a well-established aerospace and electronics industry are creating high demand for helium. Nonetheless, depleting domestic supplies have led to a trend toward importing, hence, the interest in discovering new sources and investment in recycling technology.

• Europe

Europe's helium market ismajorlydominatedbyconsumingdemand from the healthcare and manufacturing sectors.Germany, France, and theUKhavewell-endowedmedical facilities and industrialactivitieswithextensiveuse ofhelium. Someinitiativeshavebeen taken to improve the security through strategic partnerships andinvestmentin alternative sources. Efforts to that end are underway.

• Asia

Asia, especially China, Japan, and South Korea is seeing a rise in the demand for helium, electricity manufacturing in the electronics is sector, along with rising healthcare services, propels this growth. Technological innovation and industrialization are calling for more helium in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and for medical use. Domestic production is minimal, but Asia is currently engaged in intense helium procurement through international cooperation as well as developing new possible sources for its future consumption.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion Improved Extraction and Recycling Technologies"

The major players in the industry are investing heavily in innovative extraction technologies and exploring unconventional helium sources. Companies like Linde plc, Air Liquide, and Gazprom are working on advanced separation techniques that improve helium recovery from natural gas fields with lower helium concentrations. There is also research in extracting helium from underground reservoirs that were deemed uneconomical due to low helium content. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and Messer Group have been pioneering companies in this front, as they introduced closed-loop systems to capture helium, recycle, and reuse in industrial applications. These innovations not only contribute to a more sustainable and stable helium supply chain but also reduce waste.

"Strategic Market Expansion and Investments"

In order to cater to the escalating demand of helium, top companies are expanding their operations through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and new production facilities. The most striking trend in the helium industry is the diversification of supply sources to reduce dependence on specific regions. Thenewplantwillcertainlydecreasetheroleof classic producersin the helium market-USAand Qatar.Air Liquide and Lindewerealsorampingupinvestmentin helium extraction projectsbothin Algeria and Canada;suchinvestmentwastargeted at securinga more diversified and stable helium supply chain.ExxonMobil,Air Products haveconcentratedeffortsatexpandinghelium production capacityin North America,by investing in new extraction sites,and processing plants. The U.S. government’s decision to privatize the Federal Helium Reserve, previously managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), has also led to a restructuring of helium supply dynamics, with private players stepping in to fill the gap. Companies such as Iwatani Corporation from Japan have been actively acquiring helium assets in North America to strengthen their presence in the global market.

"Technological Advancements in Helium Storage and Transportation"

Industry leaders are investing in new technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of helium distribution given the logistical challenges associated with helium's storage and transportation. Helium, particularly in its liquid state, requires specialized cryogenic tanks for storage and transport. Praxair Technology, Inc. and Linde plc have developed advanced cryogenic storage solutions that minimize helium loss during transportation, ensuring a more cost-effective supply chain. Secondly, the companies are developing high-pressure gas cylinders and microbulk solutions for storing smaller-scale industrial and medical applications.

A new trend is seen in the helium-fuelled drone technology designed for surveillance and research purposes. Companies, such as Gulf Cryo, are investing in helium-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for scientific and commercial usage, extending the usage of helium beyond the conventional sectors.

"Emerging Markets and Growing Demand"

Middle East, particularly Qatar, remains dominant in helium production. The Qatar Helium Project led by QatarEnergy continues to be a main supplier to markets around the globe. Companies here are focusing on long-term supply agreements with international buyers due to the growing demand for helium in healthcare and space exploration. The helium gas market is undergoing rapid transformation, with key industry players driving growth through innovation, technological advancements, and market expansion. Companies are investing in new helium extraction technologies, recycling systems, and sustainable storage solutions to ensure a stable and long-term supply. Strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and new production facilities are also shaping the competitive landscape as major players seek to diversify their sources of helium supply and reduce their dependence on traditional reserves. In a market in which demand continues to rise for helium in all sectors-from health care to electronics, aerospace to quantum computing-it will be up to helium suppliers to help set the course of the future. The focus on sustainability, efficiency, and new market opportunities will be key factors in determining the success of industry leaders in the helium gas market.

List Of Top Helium Gas Companies

• Air Liquide (France)
• Linde plc (United Kingdom)
• Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (United States)
• Gazprom (Russia)
• ExxonMobil Corporation (United States)
• Praxair Technology, Inc. (United States)
• Gulf Cryo (Kuwait)
• Iwatani Corporation (Japan)
• Messer Group GmbH (Germany)
• Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. (United States)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

September 2024: A report projected the near doubling of global helium demand by 2035, largely driven by the growth of the semiconductor industry. The report stressed that helium was critical in the semiconductor manufacturing process because of its cooling and inert properties and no alternative available currently. This growth in demand means that there is a need to ensure that stable helium supplies are available to back technological developments in different sectors.

November 2024:theU.S. subsidiaryof Reliance Industries hasacquired a 21% stake in Wavetech Helium,theU.S.-based helium production company, for $12 million. This strategic investment aligns withtheeffortsof Reliancetoextendits low-carbon

REPORT COVERAGE

The study takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth. Transformations are being seen inthe global helium gas market,mainlythroughthe strategicprocessesthattheseindustry playersundertakeforinnovativeness, technological advancements, andfurtherpenetration into markets.Theleadingsuppliers and producersof heliumarekeenlyengagedintheacquisition ofreliablesources,thedevelopment of improvedextraction and recycling technologies, andexpansionintothemarketforincreasingglobal demand.Asitsapplicationsincreasein healthcare, electronics, aerospace, and otherfields, these companies aregoingto playacriticalrole indefiningthe future of the helium gas market.