Gaseous Helium Market Size & Growth [2033]

Gaseous Helium Market Overview

The Gaseous Helium Market size was valued at USD 1000.09 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1249.07 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2025 to 2033.

The gaseous helium market has gained significant momentum due to the increased global reliance on high-purity helium for critical industrial and technological applications. As of 2024, global helium production is estimated to be approximately 6 billion cubic feet annually, with the United States accounting for over 35% of global production. Qatar, Algeria, and Russia also contribute substantially, with Qatar alone supplying nearly 47% of helium imports to the U.S. Helium’s unique properties — including being the second lightest element, chemically inert, and having a boiling point of -268.9°C — make it indispensable in applications like cryogenics, where over 32% of total demand is concentrated. Grade A helium (99.995% purity) continues to dominate due to its suitability for use in MRI scanners, semiconductor manufacturing, and space applications. Industrial-grade helium, with a purity level above 98%, supports applications in welding, leak detection, and gas chromatography. The market is influenced heavily by supply constraints, given helium’s rarity and non-renewable status. Global reserves are finite, with the most significant known reserves located in the U.S. and Qatar. As demand grows for energy-efficient and technologically advanced applications, helium’s role becomes increasingly strategic in industrial supply chains worldwide.

Key Findings

Driver: The increase in demand for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and semiconductor manufacturing is driving helium consumption in cryogenic and high-tech applications.

Country/Region: North America leads the market due to robust production infrastructure and strong demand across medical, aerospace, and electronics sectors.

Segment: Cryogenics remains the largest application segment, accounting for more than 30% of total helium consumption due to its essential role in supercooling.

Gaseous Helium Market Trends

The gaseous helium market is undergoing a structural shift due to increased industrialization, rising demand in cryogenics, and constrained global supply. In 2023, cryogenics consumed more than 1.9 billion cubic feet of helium globally, driven by over 38,000 operational MRI machines worldwide. As the number of machines continues to grow, especially in emerging economies such as India and Brazil, demand for high-purity Grade A helium has surged. In the semiconductor sector, helium is vital for maintaining controlled environments in manufacturing chambers. In 2024, the semiconductor industry utilized approximately 900 million cubic feet of helium for chip fabrication and etching processes. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan accounted for over 58% of helium usage in electronics applications. Leak detection and pressurizing systems are other growing areas of helium application. The aerospace industry alone consumed over 250 million cubic feet in pressurizing rocket fuel systems and testing spacecraft components. SpaceX, NASA, and other global entities continue to rely heavily on helium for safe and effective launches.

The packaging of helium for industrial use is also evolving. Gas cylinder shipment in bulk and miniaturized cylinders for field leak detection has expanded by 17% year-over-year. Moreover, balloon-grade helium—used primarily in entertainment and promotional industries—accounts for roughly 7% of the market, with more than 1.1 billion liters shipped annually. Another trend is the increasing demand for sustainable helium extraction. The use of natural gas fields for helium separation is being replaced by dedicated helium production units, notably in Russia and Canada. In 2023, Russia initiated extraction from the Amur Gas Processing Plant, expected to supply 2.1 billion cubic feet annually once fully operational. Digital twin technology and real-time monitoring of gas flows in helium refineries have improved distribution efficiency by over 11% across key plants in North America and the Middle East. Companies are investing in smart logistics, ensuring reduced wastage and safer handling. On the pricing side, constraints in supply from the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve and geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe have kept helium prices volatile. Prices rose by 12–18% in 2023 alone in Asia-Pacific, the region most reliant on imports. As global industries become more digitized and reliant on precise engineering processes, demand for gaseous helium is expected to maintain momentum, especially in high-tech sectors where alternative gases cannot provide similar performance.

Gaseous Helium Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand from the medical and semiconductor industries

The growing need for MRI machines and semiconductor production is a significant driver of the gaseous helium market. Helium’s low boiling point of -268.9°C makes it essential for cooling MRI magnets. As of 2024, more than 60,000 MRI scanners globally use liquid helium for cooling. The healthcare sector alone accounted for over 30% of helium demand in 2023, consuming more than 2.4 billion cubic feet globally. Simultaneously, semiconductor fabrication plants in countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, and the U.S. are expanding. These facilities use helium in lithography and deposition processes, with the semiconductor industry consuming over 1 billion cubic feet in 2023. As chip demand grows, especially for electric vehicles and AI chips, helium use in the sector is projected to remain high.

RESTRAINT

Limited global reserves and geopolitical dependencies

Despite being the second most abundant element in the universe, helium is rare on Earth. It is primarily extracted as a byproduct of natural gas processing, and not all gas fields contain helium-rich deposits. In 2023, just five countries—United States, Qatar, Algeria, Russia, and Australia—accounted for over 90% of global helium production. The closure of the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve for commercial sale in 2024 has created a major supply gap. Moreover, logistical challenges in transporting helium, especially from conflict-prone regions, pose serious risks. For instance, disruptions in Russian supply chains in 2023 reduced European helium imports by 14%. The market’s overdependence on a few nations creates bottlenecks and price volatility, which restricts steady market growth.

OPPORTUNITY

Growing investment in alternative extraction methods and new sources

The helium market is witnessing notable R&D efforts into alternative extraction techniques, including direct helium drilling. Companies in Canada and Tanzania have discovered reservoirs with helium concentrations as high as 8%, compared to the usual 0.3% found in natural gas. In 2023, Tanzania's Lake Rukwa region alone was estimated to contain 138 billion cubic feet of recoverable helium. These emerging reserves are drawing investments exceeding USD 300 million in exploration and infrastructure. Additionally, helium recycling systems—particularly in semiconductor and scientific laboratories—are being deployed at scale, reducing wastage by 25% in pilot operations. These new technologies and diversified supply sources present vast growth potential for the industry.

CHALLENGE

High costs and complex storage requirements

Helium’s ultra-lightweight and inert properties require specialized storage and transportation systems. In 2023, more than 80% of global helium was transported in ISO-certified cryogenic containers that maintain temperatures below -260°C. The average cost of such containers exceeds USD 150,000, and operational maintenance is both technical and expensive. Additionally, helium must be handled with high precision to prevent leaks, as it can permeate through many materials. Loss rates during transfer can reach up to 10% in poorly maintained systems. This technical complexity and the associated cost burden remain major challenges for small-scale distributors and end users.

Gaseous Helium Market Segmentation

The gaseous helium market is categorized by type and application, reflecting diverse industrial demands and operational specifications.

by Type

Industrial-Grade Helium: Industrial-grade helium, with purity typically ranging between 99.0% and 99.995%, is extensively used in manufacturing, welding, and pressurizing applications. In 2023, industrial-grade helium accounted for more than 60% of total global helium consumption. Over 1.8 billion cubic feet of this grade was used in metallurgy and electronics fabrication, primarily across Asia and North America. This segment is characterized by high volume demand and broad industry usage.
Grade A Helium: Grade A helium, often exceeding 99.999% purity, is crucial for critical applications such as cryogenics and scientific research. Hospitals and laboratories consumed over 1 billion cubic feet of Grade A helium in 2023. This purity level is mandatory in MRI scanners and particle accelerators. The tight quality requirements make this a high-value segment, albeit smaller in volume compared to industrial-grade helium.

by Application

Cryogenics: Cryogenics remains the largest application for gaseous helium, accounting for more than 35% of demand. Over 2 billion cubic feet of helium was used for cryogenic cooling in 2023, mainly for MRI systems and superconducting magnets. Medical imaging centers in North America and Europe dominate this usage.
Aerostatics: Aerostatics includes the use of helium in weather balloons and airships. In 2023, meteorological departments and aerospace companies utilized approximately 300 million cubic feet of helium for high-altitude research and weather forecasting purposes.
Pressurizing and Purging: Used widely in space and defense industries, this segment required over 400 million cubic feet of helium in 2023. It is essential for rocket propulsion systems and fuel tank pressurization.
Leak Detection: Due to its small atomic size, helium is ideal for identifying microscopic leaks. In 2023, more than 250 million cubic feet was used globally in leak detection for vacuum systems, semiconductors, and radiators.
Welding: Helium’s inertness makes it suitable for shielding gases in arc welding. Approximately 500 million cubic feet of helium was used for welding applications in 2023, especially in high-strength alloys and aerospace manufacturing.
Others: Additional applications include breathing mixtures for deep-sea diving, scientific instrumentation, and fiber optics production. These collectively consumed nearly 300 million cubic feet of gaseous helium in 2023.

Gaseous Helium Market Regional Outlook

North America

North America remains a dominant region in the gaseous helium market, led by the United States which is one of the top global producers. In 2023, the U.S. produced over 2.6 billion cubic feet of gaseous helium, primarily extracted from natural gas fields in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Around 70% of the helium used in cryogenics in North America was consumed in MRI production. Canada and Mexico also contribute to helium trade through import and transit networks. The region’s robust healthcare and aerospace industries sustain significant demand.

Europe

Europe holds a mature yet growing market for gaseous helium, with Germany, France, and the UK as leading consumers. In 2023, Europe imported more than 1.1 billion cubic feet of helium, mostly from the U.S. and Qatar. Germany accounted for 40% of Europe’s helium use in 2023, particularly in automotive leak detection and industrial welding applications. Rising investments in MRI installations and scientific research have continued to drive demand. The EU’s helium recycling initiatives are gaining traction due to limited indigenous supply.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific stands out as the fastest-expanding regional market for gaseous helium. China, Japan, South Korea, and India led consumption in 2023, with the region using over 2.8 billion cubic feet of helium, largely for electronics manufacturing, fiber optics, and scientific research. China’s semiconductor industry alone consumed over 900 million cubic feet of helium in leak detection and purge applications. Japan's use in aerospace and high-tech medical equipment contributed significantly to the region's demand. New storage and distribution hubs were developed in Singapore and India to support expanding industrial use.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East is emerging as a key supplier of helium, especially from Qatar, which exported over 1.4 billion cubic feet globally in 2023. The region also saw growth in local consumption due to expanding petrochemical and energy sectors. Africa’s helium use remains modest but growing, particularly in South Africa and Egypt. Joint ventures and infrastructure development in Kenya and Nigeria signal a future rise in demand. In total, the Middle East & Africa consumed around 600 million cubic feet in 2023, with increasing focus on cryogenics and industrial processes.

List Of Gaseous Helium Companies

Air Liquide SA
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
Airgas
Buzwair
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Gazprom
Gulf Cryo
Iwatani Corporation
Linde AG
Messer Group GmbH
PGNiG (PL)
Praxair Inc.
Somatrach
Weil Group Resources, LLC

Buzwair: deployed over 4 million cubic feet of high‑purity helium across aerospace and semiconductor sectors, managing a supply chain network that includes digital tracking and cryogenic storage systems in 12 countries, underscoring its rising prominence

Exxon Mobil Corporation: accounts for approximately 20% of global helium production, drawing from its extensive natural gas operations that span over 80 years, including major U.S. facilities and newly discovered reserves in Africa

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The gaseous helium market has attracted increasing investment activity due to rising demand across cryogenics, aerospace, medical imaging, and semiconductor manufacturing. In 2023, more than 12 major infrastructure expansion projects were initiated across helium production and liquefaction globally. Strategic investment from both public and private sectors in gas extraction and purification facilities has significantly boosted the global output. In the United States, private sector capital worth over USD 800 million (converted to physical assets or funding, not cited as revenue) was directed toward helium processing plants in Texas and Colorado. These projects aimed to boost national production capacity by 30% to counterbalance reliance on foreign supply, especially from Qatar and Russia. Simultaneously, Canada allocated funding to expand its helium exploration activities in Saskatchewan, discovering reserves estimated to exceed 2 billion standard cubic feet. In Asia, China increased its investment in domestic helium purification technology with five major plants operational in Inner Mongolia, boosting total local purification capacity to over 1.1 billion cubic feet. South Korea and Japan also announced helium reserve programs in response to fluctuating global supply. South Korea’s National Helium Strategy initiated a reserve capacity goal of 200 million cubic feet by 2026.

Qatar remains one of the world's largest helium exporters, investing in the Helium 3 plant to support growing export demand. With a new production capacity exceeding 425 million cubic feet per year, the country has reinforced its status as a global supply hub. The plant incorporates state-of-the-art compression and liquefaction modules designed to minimize production waste and optimize transport efficiency. New helium storage hubs are also emerging. In 2023, India launched a strategic helium reserve initiative involving investment in underground storage technology capable of holding up to 100 million cubic feet. The government partnered with private sector players to develop storage close to high-demand clusters, especially in medical and semiconductor zones. Africa, particularly Tanzania and South Africa, has begun to attract exploration-focused investments. Tanzanian fields in Rukwa Basin have confirmed helium concentrations exceeding 10% in multiple boreholes. Investment commitments valued at USD 100 million have been pledged to commercialize these discoveries by 2026. These growing investment flows reveal a strategic global shift towards long-term resource security and technological independence in helium production and supply. The formation of government-industry alliances, such as the Helium Council of India and Qatar’s Helium Export Development Initiative, further amplifies the scope for structured development and market stability over the next decade.

New Product Development

The gaseous helium market has witnessed significant innovation in product development across industries, especially in cryogenics, medical technologies, semiconductors, and aerospace. Manufacturers are integrating advancements to ensure purity levels exceeding 99.999%, enhancing helium’s effectiveness in high-precision applications such as MRI scanners, particle accelerators, and semiconductor etching. In 2023, major market players launched over 15 new helium delivery systems tailored for ultra-high purity applications. These included advanced cylinder technologies designed to minimize contamination. For example, a U.S.-based gas technology firm introduced a next-generation composite-wrapped helium cylinder with increased thermal insulation and a 40% reduction in leakage rate compared to legacy steel cylinders. Japan’s top cryogenic gas firms developed portable helium storage tanks with real-time monitoring capabilities. These new containers, equipped with digital sensors and IoT modules, provided automated alerts when purity or pressure levels dropped. This innovation enabled hospitals and research labs to improve helium utilization efficiency by over 25%. Several semiconductor equipment companies collaborated with gas producers to deliver helium-based cleaning and etching systems that reduce chemical residue in wafer fabrication. In Taiwan, a new system launched in 2024 reduced helium usage by 18% while maintaining etching precision within ±0.0001 mm, a critical requirement for 3 nm chip nodes.

In the aerospace sector, a European manufacturer unveiled a helium propulsion integration unit for satellite launch systems. This device regulates helium injection into oxidizer tanks with precision up to 0.1 psi variance, crucial for small satellite launches. The development helped reduce helium wastage during launch preparation by over 20%, contributing to environmental and economic efficiency. China’s state-run innovation labs developed a high-capacity helium liquefier for use in superconducting magnet cooling, achieving output capacity of 1,000 liters per hour. This liquefier supports advanced research in particle physics and is now operational in over six national science centers. It enables up to 50% more efficient reuse of gaseous helium converted from cryogenic operations. Helium detection technology also advanced. In 2023, a German instrumentation firm introduced an AI-powered helium leak detector capable of identifying leakage rates as low as 10⁻⁹ mbar·L/sec. This detector improved preventive maintenance in high-vacuum environments and was adopted by over 500 semiconductor fabs globally. Packaging solutions have also evolved. The introduction of double-sealed composite gas canisters allowed for long-duration storage of industrial-grade helium in extreme climates, maintaining purity above 99.995% for 18+ months. These products are now deployed in over 45 countries, especially in desert or high-humidity zones.

Five Recent Developments

In 2023, ExxonMobil recommenced operations at its Shute Creek plant in Wyoming, adding approximately 400 million cubic feet of helium annually to the global supply. This restoration stabilized North American supply chains amid global helium shortages, especially benefiting cryogenics and semiconductor fabrication.
Linde developed and launched a digital platform in early 2024 for helium logistics optimization. The system uses AI to track cylinder usage across over 1,200 delivery points globally and has reduced distribution inefficiencies by 35%. This has helped end-users such as research labs and hospitals avoid helium downtime.
Iwatani Corporation inaugurated a high-efficiency gaseous helium storage site in Osaka in Q3 2023. The plant offers a storage capacity of 8 million cubic feet, one of the largest in East Asia. This development improved supply continuity for high-purity helium customers in medical and electronics sectors.
In 2024, Air Liquide deployed an automated cylinder refurbishment line in France, increasing its turnaround time by 50% and reducing waste generation by over 20%. The company reused more than 150,000 high-pressure helium cylinders, reducing environmental impact across the European helium supply chain.
Russia’s Gazprom began exporting gaseous helium from its new Amur processing plant in late 2023. The plant has an annual capacity of 60 million cubic meters and shipped its first batch to South Korea in November. This marked a major milestone for Russia as a competitive helium supplier in the Asia-Pacific region.

Report Coverage of Gaseous Helium Market

The report on the gaseous helium market delivers an in-depth exploration of the global landscape, highlighting current production levels, supply chain structures, application segments, and geographical dynamics. It provides a holistic overview of how helium is sourced, processed, distributed, and consumed across various industries. The analysis reflects the volume-based nature of the helium trade, detailing approximate global output, production capacities, and usage across multiple sectors without referencing financial indicators. A major focus of the report is on production centers and reserves. The global helium production volume is estimated to be over 6.0 billion cubic feet annually, with dominant output coming from the United States, Qatar, and Algeria. The United States alone contributes approximately 2.6 billion cubic feet per year, supported by nine key helium plants, while Qatar's contribution remains steady due to operations at its Helium 1 and Helium 3 plants. New capacity additions in Russia’s Amur facility and developments in Tanzania are also captured, contributing to rising global reserves, which are estimated to exceed 31 billion cubic meters.

The report also dissects helium purity levels, segmenting the market into industrial-grade helium and high-purity Grade A helium. Industrial-grade helium accounts for roughly 62% of total volume, utilized in applications like welding and purging, while Grade A helium, known for its 99.999% purity, is used in critical processes such as cryogenics and scientific research. These purity classifications are essential in determining application suitability and delivery methods. Application analysis is thorough, encompassing six key use areas: cryogenics, aerostatics, pressurizing and purging, leak detection, welding, and other niche applications like diving and laboratory testing. Cryogenics continues to be the largest consuming segment, using over 2.1 billion cubic feet annually, particularly in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), superconducting magnets, and space technology. In addition to segmentation, the report covers regional outlooks, highlighting demand and infrastructure distribution. North America leads in production and technological advancement, while Asia-Pacific shows the fastest growth in consumption due to rapid industrialization and semiconductor expansion. Europe and the Middle East exhibit strategic roles in trade and export, while Africa is emerging with new exploration activities and reserve potential. Key manufacturers are profiled, with detailed data on capacity, expansion projects, technology upgrades, and supply strategies. The analysis includes innovations like AI-based helium logistics, modular recovery systems, and mobile storage solutions. These advancements are shaping the operational efficiency and sustainability of helium supply chains globally.