Global Helium Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• July 2022: Helios Specialty Gases and Iwatani Corporation signed an agreement involving Iwatani, supplying liquid helium to Helious’s transfer facilities in Gujarat, Telangana, and Rajasthan.

• April 2022: Linde signed a long-term helium off-take agreement with Freeport LNG to recover the helium contained in Freeport LNG’s production site in Texas. Linde is expected to construct a new helium processing plant in Freeport to purify and liquefy the recovered helium. The project is anticipated to start in 2024 and provide nearly 200 million cubic feet of helium into Linde's supply portfolio.

The Global Helium Market has been segmented by Type, End User, and Geography.By Type, the helium market is divided into Liquid Helium and Gaseous Helium. Liquid helium is primarily used in cryogenic applications, including cooling superconducting magnets in MRI machines, as well as in particle accelerators and other scientific research applications. It is also widely utilized in the space and aerospace industries for cooling and testing high-performance equipment. On the other hand, gaseous helium is mainly used for filling balloons, pressurizing systems, and in applications that require an inert gas for welding, leak detection, and in the semiconductor industry for maintaining controlled environments.

The End User segment is diverse, encompassing industries such as Healthcare, Aerospace & Defense, Electronics, Energy, Welding, and Others. The Healthcare industry is a major consumer, particularly in MRI machines, where liquid helium is used for cooling superconducting magnets. The Aerospace & Defense sector also accounts for a significant portion of helium demand, using it for inflating weather balloons and in various high-altitude applications. In Electronics, helium is critical in semiconductor manufacturing and in cooling electronic components. The Energy sector uses helium in natural gas extraction, while Welding industries use it for inert gas applications in welding processes.

Geographically, the Global Helium Market is primarily driven by regions such as North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America is the largest market, with the U.S. being a major consumer, driven by demand in healthcare, aerospace, and technology sectors. Asia-Pacific is expected to see significant growth due to increasing industrialization, expansion in healthcare facilities, and growing demand from the semiconductor industry in countries like China and India. Europe also contributes significantly, especially in healthcare and aerospace applications. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are emerging markets, with helium demand growing due to expanding industrial and energy sectors.

In conclusion, the global helium market is diverse, with significant demand from various industries such as healthcare, aerospace, electronics, and energy. While North America remains the dominant market, the Asia-Pacific region is poised for the fastest growth as industrialization and technological advancements continue to increase demand.

Global Helium Market Analysis

The Global Helium Market has been segmented by Type, End User and Geography.

Global Helium Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Helium Market has been segmented by Type into Liquid Helium and Gaseous Helium.

The global helium market is segmented by type into liquid helium and gaseous helium, each serving distinct applications based on their unique properties. Liquid helium, with its exceptionally low boiling point, is vital for cryogenic applications. It is primarily used in medical imaging, particularly in MRI machines, to cool superconducting magnets to operational temperatures. Additionally, liquid helium is crucial in scientific research, including particle accelerators and space exploration, where it facilitates the study of materials and phenomena at extremely low temperatures. The demand for liquid helium is driven by advancements in these high-tech fields, making it a critical component for cutting-edge technology and research.

Gaseous helium, on the other hand, is widely utilized across various industries due to its inertness, non-flammability, and low density. In the welding and metal fabrication industries, gaseous helium acts as a shielding gas, protecting welds from contamination and ensuring high-quality results. It is also used in the electronics industry for leak detection and in the semiconductor manufacturing process, providing a controlled atmosphere for producing high-precision components. Additionally, gaseous helium is popular in the ballooning industry and for various laboratory applications. The versatility of gaseous helium across these diverse sectors underscores its importance in industrial and commercial uses, contributing significantly to the overall helium market growth.

Global Helium Market, Segmentation by End User

The Global Helium Market has been segmented by End User into Aerospace and Aircraft, Electronics and Semiconductors, Nuclear Power, Healthcare, Welding and Metal Fabrication and Other End-User Industries.

The global helium market is segmented by end-user industries, with key sectors including aerospace and aircraft, electronics and semiconductors, nuclear power, healthcare, welding and metal fabrication, and various other industries. In the aerospace and aircraft industry, helium's lightweight and inert properties make it indispensable for pressurizing and purging systems, as well as for use in rocket propulsion. This sector's demand for helium is driven by ongoing advancements in space exploration and the development of new aircraft technologies. The electronics and semiconductor industry also significantly contributes to helium consumption, utilizing it for cooling, leak detection, and creating controlled environments essential for manufacturing high-precision electronic components.

In the healthcare sector, helium is primarily used in medical imaging technologies such as MRI machines, where its cryogenic properties are crucial for cooling superconducting magnets. The demand for helium in this sector is expected to grow with the increasing adoption of advanced medical diagnostic tools. The nuclear power industry utilizes helium for cooling reactors and other critical applications due to its high thermal conductivity and non-reactive nature. Meanwhile, the welding and metal fabrication industry depends on helium as a shielding gas to protect welds from atmospheric contamination, ensuring high-quality results. Other industries, including research laboratories and ballooning, also contribute to the overall demand for helium, highlighting its versatility and critical role across various high-tech and industrial applications.

Global Helium Market, Segmentation by Geography

The Global Helium Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Helium Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The global helium market is segmented by geography into five key regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America dominates the market, primarily due to its vast natural gas reserves and significant production capabilities. The United States, in particular, is a major player, with extensive helium extraction and refining operations. The region's robust industrial base, coupled with strong demand from healthcare, aerospace, and electronics sectors, further fuels the market growth. Additionally, technological advancements and investments in research and development contribute to North America's leading position in the global helium market.

Europe is another significant market, driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure and thriving aerospace industry. Countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are key consumers of helium, utilizing it extensively in medical imaging, scientific research, and manufacturing processes. The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by the expanding electronics and semiconductor industries in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. The increasing adoption of advanced technologies and rising healthcare expenditure in these nations further boost the demand for helium. The Middle East and Africa, with their abundant natural gas resources, are emerging as important contributors to the helium supply chain, while Latin America is steadily growing due to rising industrialization and technological advancements across various sectors.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Helium Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers:

• Increasing Demand in Healthcare Sector
• Expansion of the Electronics and Semiconductor Industry

• Growth in Aerospace and Space Exploration Activities: The global helium market is significantly driven by the growth in aerospace and space exploration activities. Helium's unique properties, such as its low density, inertness, and high thermal conductivity, make it indispensable for various aerospace applications. In space missions, helium is used for purging fuel and oxidizer systems, pressurizing fuel tanks, and cooling sensitive equipment. Its ability to remain stable under extreme temperatures and pressures ensures the reliability and safety of spacecraft operations. As space agencies and private companies intensify their efforts to explore deeper into space and develop more advanced spacecraft, the demand for helium continues to rise.

  The burgeoning commercial space industry further amplifies this demand. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others are increasingly launching satellites, conducting manned missions, and developing reusable rockets, all of which require substantial amounts of helium. Additionally, the growth of the satellite industry for communication, weather forecasting, and global positioning systems (GPS) relies heavily on helium for manufacturing and operational purposes. This surge in aerospace and space exploration activities not only drives the consumption of helium but also prompts continuous advancements in helium extraction and production technologies to meet the rising global demand.

Restraints:

• Finite Natural Resources and Supply Limitations
• High Production and Extraction Costs

• Geopolitical Instabilities Affecting Supply Chains: Geopolitical instabilities significantly impact the global helium market by disrupting supply chains and causing fluctuations in availability and pricing. Helium production is geographically concentrated, with major suppliers located in the United States, Qatar, and Russia. Any political tension, trade restriction, or conflict in these regions can lead to substantial supply disruptions. For instance, the blockade of Qatar in 2017 by neighboring countries temporarily halted helium exports, causing a global supply shortage and driving up prices. Such geopolitical events underscore the vulnerability of the helium market to regional instabilities and the challenges in ensuring a stable and continuous supply.

  The dependency on a limited number of helium-producing regions amplifies the risks associated with geopolitical uncertainties. Transportation of helium, which involves complex logistics due to its need for specialized containers and cryogenic storage, can be severely affected by border controls, sanctions, and other regulatory hurdles. Companies relying on helium for critical applications in healthcare, aerospace, and electronics face significant operational risks and cost increases when supply chains are disrupted. This instability prompts industries to seek alternative sources, invest in helium recycling and recovery technologies, and explore strategic reserves to mitigate the impact of geopolitical fluctuations on their operations.

Opportunities:

• Development of New Helium Sources
• Advancements in Recycling and Recovery Technologies

• Expansion into Emerging Markets: The expansion into emerging markets presents significant opportunities for the global helium market. Emerging economies in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa are witnessing rapid industrialization, urbanization, and technological advancement, driving up demand for helium across various sectors. In Asia-Pacific, countries like China, India, and South Korea are experiencing booming electronics and semiconductor industries, which rely heavily on helium for manufacturing processes. Additionally, these regions are investing significantly in healthcare infrastructure, leading to increased use of helium in medical imaging technologies, such as MRI machines. The growth of the aerospace sector in these emerging markets, supported by both government initiatives and private enterprises, further boosts helium demand for applications in rocket propulsion and satellite technology.

  Latin America and Africa are also emerging as important markets due to rising industrial activities and technological adoption. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and Mexico are enhancing their industrial base, including the welding and metal fabrication sectors, where helium is essential. Africa's increasing focus on modernizing healthcare facilities and expanding its research capabilities also contributes to helium market growth. As these emerging markets continue to develop, they provide substantial growth prospects for helium suppliers and manufacturers. By establishing robust supply chains and investing in local production and distribution capabilities, companies can tap into these expanding markets, ensuring sustained growth and diversification of their customer base in the global helium market.

Key players in Global Helium Market include:

• Airgas
• Air Liquide
• Linde
• Messer Group
• Air Products

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis