Helium Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Phase (Gas and Liquid), Distribution Channel, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Helium Market is accounted for $3927.5 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $6478.8 million by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period. Helium is an inert gas found in Group 18 (noble gases) of the periodic table. It is the second lightest element, with only hydrogen being lighter. Helium is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and it becomes a liquid at an incredibly low temperature of -268.9°C (-452°F). Remarkably, its boiling and freezing points are lower than those of any other known substance. Helium is abundant in the universe, constituting about 23% of its mass, second only to hydrogen. While it occurs in Earth's atmosphere in small amounts (1 part in 200,000), significant volumes are found in natural gases, especially in the United States. It's the gas of choice for filling airships like the Goodyear blimp due to its lightness. It has the lowest boiling point of all elements, and it can become a liquid with remarkable properties, such as superfluidity and superconductivity at extremely low temperatures.

According to the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, over 150 million patients underwent MRI examinations. Every year, approximately 10 million patients undergo MRI procedures.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing demand from healthcare sector

Helium is an essential element used in various medical applications, including MRI machines, cryogenic storage, respiratory therapy, and leak detection in medical devices. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in medical imaging technologies and the expanding healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets are driving the demand for helium in the healthcare sector. MRI machines, which rely on helium for cooling, are becoming increasingly widespread for diagnostic imaging, particularly in developed countries.

Restraint:

Limited reserves & finite resources

Helium's limited nature casts a long shadow on its market. Unlike oil or natural gas, it's a non-renewable resource trapped underground. Once extracted and released, it escapes Earth's atmosphere due to its lightness. This creates a ticking clock on the supply. The market feels this pinch in two ways. Prices are likely to rise as the resource becomes more scarce. Secondly, crucial applications like MRIs and space exploration face potential future limitations if sustainable alternatives aren't developed.

Opportunity:

Expanding electronics industry

Helium plays a crucial role in the production and operation of various electronic devices, particularly in the semiconductor and fiber optics sectors. In semiconductor manufacturing, helium is essential for cooling and purging during the production of microchips and other electronic components. The demand for helium in this industry is driven by the growing use of advanced semiconductor technologies in smartphones, computers, automotive electronics, and IoT devices. Additionally, helium is used in the production of optical fibers for high-speed data transmission in telecommunications networks which drives the markets growth.

Threat:

High extraction costs

Extracting helium from natural gas involves a complex process of cryogenic distillation and purification, which requires specialized equipment and technology. Additionally, helium extraction often occurs in remote locations, further increasing transportation and logistical costs. These high extraction costs contribute to the overall production expenses, making helium one of the most expensive gases to extract and purify. As a result, helium suppliers face pressure to maintain profitability while meeting the growing demand from various industries impedes the market growth.

Covid-19 Impact

While the global economic slowdown led to reduced demand for helium across various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and electronics, the healthcare sector's demand for helium remained relatively stable due to its essential role in medical applications, particularly in MRI machines. However, supply chain disruptions and decreased industrial activity during lockdowns affected helium production and distribution, leading to short-term fluctuations in supply and prices.

The gas segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The gas is expected to be the largest during the forecast period attributed to increasing product adoption in various areas of applications including leak detection, gas chromatography, welding & cutting, cooling & refrigeration, and in nuclear power, among others. Furthermore, helium gas is indispensable in the realm of scientific research and experimentation, spanning disciplines, such as physics, chemistry, and materials science. It plays a critical role in cryogenic studies, low-& temperature investigations, and serves as a carrier gas in a multitude of analytical instruments.

The medical & healthcare segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The medical & healthcare segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the increasing product usage in various areas of applications in the medical & healthcare sectors, such as MRI machines, endoscopy, laser technology, breathing mixtures, spectroscopy, and in positron emission tomography (PET), among others. Helium-filled aerostats, tethered balloons, or blimps are used for surveillance and monitoring purposes. They provide a stable platform for various payloads, including radar, cameras, and communication equipment, which are used in border security, military surveillance, and disaster management.

Region with largest share:

North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period due to the presence of abundant reserves of helium-rich natural gas. In addition, the U.S. is home to the Federal Helium Reserve, which was established in 1925 and is one of the world's largest helium storage facilities. The reserve has played a significant role in the global market by supplying the product to various industries. Hence North America has a well-established healthcare sector that relies on helium for medical imaging equipment, primarily magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.

Region with highest CAGR:

Europe is projected to hold the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the high demand from different sectors, such as healthcare, aerospace, electronics, and others. Germany has a long history of producing high-quality medical equipment, emphasizing precision instruments, diagnostic imaging, and optical technologies. The nation hosts the third-largest medical devices market in the world, after the United States and Japan, and the largest in Europe, comprising twice the size of the French market and three times as large as those of Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Helium market include Air Liquide, Weil Group, Air Products Inc., Exxon Mobil Corporation, Gazprom PJSC, Gulf Cryo S.A.L., IACX Energy, Iwatani Corporation, Linde Plc, Matheson Tri-Gas Inc., MESA Specialty Gases & Equipment, Messer Group, NexAir LLC, Pgnig Sa, Qatarenergy Lng, Renergen, Taiyo Nippon Sanso India.

Key Developments:

In May 2024, Air Liquide takes a step further in sustainable biomethane production with a charter built in collaboration with WWF France. The Group is committed to measure and track progress towards more sustainable production, while contributing to the development of a worldwide production framework.

In May 2024, ExxonMobil completes acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources. The merger of ExxonMobil and Pioneer creates an Unconventional business with the largest, high-return development potential in the Permian Basin.

In April 2024, Air Liquide strengthens its Home Healthcare activity with an acquisition in Belgium and the Netherlands. The two entities acquired in Belgium and the Netherlands support 10,000 patients living with respiratory insufficiency, sleep apnea syndrome or requiring infusion or nutrition treatments.

Phases Covered:

• Gas
• Liquid

Distribution Channels Covered:

• Cylinder & Bulk Delivery
• On-Site Production
• Pipeline

Applications Covered:

• Cryogenics
• Pressurizing and Purging
• Welding
• Controlled Atmosphere
• Leak Detection
• Breathing Mixtures
• Balloons and Airships
• Nuclear Reactors
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Healthcare
• Aerospace & Defense
• Electronics & Semiconductors
• Industrial Manufacturing
• Research & Development
• Energy
• Entertainment
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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