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

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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-19 had a multi-faceted effect on the helium market. The initial stages of 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 equipment needed for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19-related complications. This increased demand in healthcare partially mitigated the decline in other sectors. Supply chain disruptions also presented difficulties, as helium production and distribution were affected by transportation restrictions and workforce constraints.

LATEST TRENDS

Emerging technologies to Drive Market Growth

Over the past few years, the helium market has experienced several trends that are worth noting. An area of significant growth is the growing demand from the semiconductor industry as advanced electronics grow in popularity, and new technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing are becoming more prevalent. Helium plays a critical role 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 are being pursued to develop other extraction methods. These include the production of helium from unconventional natural gas reserves as well as, in the far future, possibly lunar mining activities. Sustainability is also a point of focus: companies are now investing in recycling technologies for helium to minimize waste and provide a more reliable supply chain.

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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, the gaseous form is valued due to its inert, low-density, and high thermal conductivity characters. The most obvious use of gaseous helium is its application in balloon inflation, which includes party balloons, advertising blimps, and high-altitude weather balloons designed to research atmospheric conditions. Additionally, it is commonly used in welding applications. Here, helium serves as a shielding gas to protect against oxidation and contamination when using high-temperature welding processes. The electronics industry also depends on gaseous helium in the semiconductor manufacturing of microchips and fiber optics, creating a 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. During semiconductor fabrication, it is dependent upon a well-controlled temperature and 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

Chronic diseases are on the rise, and with the necessity of high sensitivity for early diagnosis, there is enhanced demand for MRI machines, thereby increasing helium demand. The resurgence of the aerospace industry and the growing trend of space missions and satellite launchings has accelerated the demand for helium in many applications, particularly rocket propulsion systems and cooling processes. These cumulative factors propel the helium market in a steady upward trajectory.

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 market faces several challenges to enjoy continuous momentum in growth. Supply chain vulnerabilities arise where helium production is geographically concentrated, creating the potential for disruption through geopolitics or natural disasters. The technical difficulties involved in helium extraction, especially from low concentration sources, require investment in sophisticated technologies. Market volatility, driven by fluctuating demand and supply patterns, can result in price 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.

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HELIUM GAS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

The North American region, with the United States in particular, is home to a mature market for helium, given the historical status of this region as one of the biggest producers 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 is majorly dominated by consuming demand from the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Germany, France, and the UK have well-endowed medical facilities and industrial activities with extensive use of helium.  Some initiatives have been taken to improve the security through strategic partnerships and investment in 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. 
The new plant will certainly decrease the role of classic producers in the helium market - USA and Qatar. Air Liquide and Linde were also ramping up investment in helium extraction projects both in Algeria and Canada; such investment was targeted at securing a more diversified and stable helium supply chain.

ExxonMobil, Air Products have concentrated efforts at expanding helium production capacity in 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: the U.S. subsidiary of Reliance Industries has acquired a 21% stake in Wavetech Helium, the U.S.-based helium production company, for $12 million. This strategic investment aligns with the efforts of Reliance to extend its 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 in the global helium gas market, mainly through the strategic processes that these industry players undertake for innovativeness, technological advancements, and further penetration into markets. The leading suppliers and producers of helium are keenly engaged in the acquisition of reliable sources, the development of improved extraction and recycling technologies, and expansion into the market for increasing global demand. As its applications increase in healthcare, electronics, aerospace, and other fields, these companies are going to play a critical role in defining the future of the helium gas market.