Helium Market Size - Industry Report On Share, Growth Trends & Forecasts Analysis (2025 - 2030)

Helium Market Analysis

The Helium Market size is estimated at 6.71 Billion Cubic Feet in 2025, and is expected to reach 7.78 Billion Cubic Feet by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.02% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The helium industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by shifting supply dynamics and technological advancements. Major helium producers are actively expanding their production capabilities, with new facilities being established in various regions to address helium shortage concerns. For instance, in October 2023, QatarEnergy LNG confirmed its helium plant is on course to be online by 2027, with work on its replica Helium 5 plant set to begin thereafter. The industry has also witnessed the emergence of new players, with South Africa becoming the world's newest producer of liquid helium in January 2023, joining eight other countries globally in helium production. This diversification of supply sources is crucial for market stability, especially considering the recent closure of the Federal Helium Reserve in January 2024.

The semiconductor and electronics sectors continue to drive substantial helium demand, reflecting the broader technological evolution across industries. According to recent data, the global semiconductor market reached USD 575.99 billion in 2023, marking a 0.3% increase from 2022. The industry's growth is particularly evident in research and development initiatives, with major investments being made in semiconductor manufacturing facilities. For example, in February 2024, TSMC announced plans to build a second Japanese semiconductor plant with an investment exceeding USD 20 billion, highlighting the growing helium demand in high-tech manufacturing processes.

The medical and healthcare sector represents another crucial application area for helium, particularly in MRI technology and respiratory treatments. As of January 2024, over 150 million patients have undergone MRI examinations globally, with approximately 10 million new procedures conducted annually. The healthcare industry's reliance on helium has expanded beyond traditional applications, with increasing adoption in pulmonary treatments. This is particularly significant given that respiratory illnesses affect around 100 million people in India alone, according to recent healthcare statistics.

The aerospace and aviation sectors are undergoing substantial expansion, creating new opportunities for helium usage by industry. According to Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook, there is anticipated demand for 42,595 new commercial jets by 2042, valued at USD 8 trillion. This projection indicates a significant increase in helium demand forecast for various aerospace applications, from pressurizing and purging systems to creating controlled atmospheres for manufacturing processes. The industry is also witnessing innovative applications of helium in space exploration and satellite technology, with several countries launching new space programs and satellite initiatives that require helium for their operations.

Helium Market Trends

Increasing Consumption of Helium Across the Semiconductor Industry

The semiconductor industry's rapid technological advancement and increasing production capabilities are driving substantial demand for helium across manufacturing processes. Helium plays a crucial role in semiconductor fabrication due to its unique properties—it has the second-smallest molecular size, is highly inert, and possesses superior heat transfer capabilities. These characteristics make helium indispensable as a carrier gas and reaction mediator in semiconductor manufacturing, where it helps transport less volatile chemicals and precisely control temperatures during wafer production processes. The semiconductor market demonstrated resilience with a value of USD 575.99 billion in 2023, showing a 0.3% increase from 2022, driven by rising demand across electric vehicles, autonomous systems, and advanced technologies like 5G and IoT.

The industry is witnessing unprecedented investments and initiatives to boost manufacturing capabilities, creating additional demand for helium. Major developments include the United States' CHIPS Act allocation of approximately USD 280 billion to enhance domestic chip production and research capabilities. Similarly, China announced plans to launch a state-sponsored investment fund of around USD 40 billion for its semiconductor sector in September 2023, representing the largest of three funds launched by the country's integrated circuit industry investment fund. These massive investments in semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure and research facilities indicate a strong future demand trajectory for helium, as it remains essential for creating the controlled environments needed in chip production and maintaining the precise conditions required for semiconductor fabrication processes. This is a significant aspect of the analysis of the helium market.

Growing Utilization of Helium Across the Aviation Industry

The aviation industry's expanding requirements for helium are driven by its critical applications in leak detection and specialized welding processes, particularly in hot wire gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Helium's molecular properties make it exceptionally effective for detecting potential leaks across various aircraft components, including HVAC systems, refrigeration units, lamp lighting tubes, electrical equipment, and pressure vessels. According to Boeing's Commercial Outlook 2023-2042, global demand for 42,595 new commercial jets is expected by 2042, valued at USD 8 trillion, indicating a substantial increase in helium demand for manufacturing and testing processes. This growth is further supported by passenger traffic outpacing global economic growth of 2.6% and the global fleet nearly doubling to 48,600 jets by 2042.

The increasing sophistication of aircraft manufacturing processes and the industry's focus on safety and quality control have elevated helium's importance in aviation applications. Major manufacturers utilize large spectrometers and helium to detect small holes or tears in equipment, preventing manufacturing defects and potential failures. Additionally, helium's superior thermal properties make it invaluable in welding thick metal components, as it provides higher heat inputs and better penetration compared to traditional welding gases. The industry's commitment to replacing about half of the global fleet with new, more fuel-efficient models by 2042 further emphasizes the sustained demand for helium in aircraft manufacturing and testing processes, particularly in quality assurance and specialized welding applications. This reflects a significant trend in helium usage in the aviation sector.

Segment Analysis: Phase

Gas Segment in Helium Market

The helium gas market dominates the global helium market, commanding approximately 73% of the total market share in 2024. This segment's prominence is primarily driven by its extensive applications across various industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, controlled atmosphere applications, and leak detection processes. The segment's growth is further bolstered by increasing demand from the electronics and semiconductor industry, where gaseous helium plays a crucial role in creating controlled environments for manufacturing processes. Additionally, the expanding aerospace sector's requirement for gaseous helium in pressurizing and purging applications, coupled with its essential role in welding applications across metal fabrication industries, continues to drive its market dominance. The segment is also experiencing the fastest growth rate in the market, projected to expand at approximately 3% CAGR through 2029, driven by technological advancements and increasing industrial applications.

Liquid Segment in Helium Market

The liquid helium segment plays a vital role in the global helium market, particularly in applications requiring extremely low temperatures. This segment's significance is largely attributed to its irreplaceable role in cooling superconducting magnets used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and various research applications. The segment's growth is supported by the expanding healthcare sector and increasing demand for MRI machines globally. Liquid helium's unique properties, including its ability to maintain temperatures close to absolute zero, make it indispensable in various scientific research applications and the development of quantum computing technologies. The segment's market position is further strengthened by its critical applications in space exploration, particle accelerators, and other advanced scientific research facilities where maintaining extremely low temperatures is crucial for operation. Furthermore, the liquid helium price remains a key consideration for industries relying on its unique properties.

Segment Analysis: Application

Cryogenics Segment in Helium Market

The cryogenics segment dominates the global helium market, accounting for approximately 34% of the total market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the extensive use of helium in various cryogenic applications, particularly in the healthcare and research sectors. Liquid helium's unique properties as a super coolant make it irreplaceable in applications requiring temperatures below 17 Kelvin, such as cooling superconducting magnets in MRI machines, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and particle accelerators. The segment's prominence is further reinforced by its crucial role in the electronics industry, where helium is used to cool electronic components during manufacturing, enhancing productivity and reducing defects in processes like LCD panel production.

Leak Detection Segment in Helium Market

The leak detection segment is projected to be the fastest-growing application in the helium market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 3.4% during the forecast period 2024-2029. This growth is primarily attributed to helium's unique properties, including its non-hazardous nature, non-toxicity, inertness, and second-smallest molecular size, which enable it to penetrate even the smallest leaks effectively. The segment's expansion is driven by its critical applications across various industries, including automotive parts testing, semiconductor component manufacturing, lithium battery pack testing, and hermetic packaging verification. The increasing emphasis on quality control and safety measures across industries, particularly in high-precision manufacturing and critical system testing, continues to drive the demand for helium-based leak detection methods.

Remaining Segments in Helium Market Applications

The helium market encompasses several other significant application segments, including controlled atmosphere, pressurizing and purging, welding, and breathing mixes. The controlled atmosphere segment plays a vital role in semiconductor manufacturing and fiber optics production. Pressurizing and purging applications are crucial in aerospace and rocket propulsion systems, while the welding segment serves various industrial fabrication needs. The breathing mixes segment, though smaller, remains essential for specialized applications like deep-sea diving and medical treatments. Each of these segments contributes uniquely to the market's diversity, serving specific industrial and technological requirements across different sectors.

Segment Analysis: End-User Industry

Healthcare Segment in Helium Market

The healthcare sector dominates the global helium market, commanding approximately 32% of the total market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the extensive use of helium in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, where it serves as a crucial coolant for superconducting magnets. The sector's dominance is further strengthened by the increasing global installation of MRI units, with over 150 million patients undergoing MRI examinations annually. Additionally, the growing adoption of helium in respiratory therapy treatments, particularly for conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has substantially contributed to its market leadership. The healthcare segment's prominence is also supported by the expanding applications in cryogenics for biological sample preservation and the rising demand for helium in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy applications across medical research facilities worldwide.

Electronics and Semiconductor Segment in Helium Market

The electronics and semiconductor segment is projected to exhibit the highest growth rate in the helium market, with an expected CAGR of approximately 3% during 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is primarily attributed to the increasing adoption of helium in semiconductor manufacturing processes, where it plays a vital role as a carrier gas and cooling agent. The segment's growth is further propelled by the global semiconductor industry's expansion, with major investments in new manufacturing facilities and technological advancements. The rising demand for electronic devices, coupled with the growing importance of helium in fiber optic manufacturing and LCD panel production, continues to drive segment growth. Additionally, the segment benefits from the increasing use of helium in various electronic manufacturing processes, including chip testing, wafer cooling, and plasma etching applications, making it an indispensable component in the electronics industry's supply chain.

Remaining Segments in End-User Industry

The helium market's remaining segments, including aerospace and aircraft, welding and metal fabrication, and nuclear power, each play crucial roles in driving market dynamics. The aerospace and aircraft segment utilizes helium for pressurizing and purging systems, leak detection, and welding applications in aircraft manufacturing. The welding and metal fabrication sector employs helium as a shielding gas for specialized welding processes, particularly in high-precision applications. The nuclear power segment relies on helium for cooling systems and reactor operations. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversity and stability, with each serving specific industrial applications and maintaining steady demand for helium across various technological and manufacturing processes. Their continued evolution and technological advancements ensure sustained demand for industrial helium across these diverse industrial applications.

Helium Market Geography Segment Analysis

Helium Market in Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region represents a significant helium market for helium consumption, driven by robust growth in semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare infrastructure, and aerospace industries. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are major consumers of helium in the region, with applications ranging from MRI machines to electronics manufacturing. The region's expanding industrial base, particularly in semiconductor fabrication and electronics assembly, continues to drive helium demand for various applications, including cooling, welding, and pressure testing.

Helium Market in China - Largest Market in Asia-Pacific

China dominates the Asia-Pacific helium market, accounting for approximately 37% of the region's consumption in 2024. The country's robust semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sector, coupled with increasing healthcare infrastructure development, drives substantial helium demand. China's position as the world's largest electronics manufacturing hub and its growing aerospace sector contribute significantly to helium consumption. The country's focus on technological advancement, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing and medical imaging equipment, further strengthens its position as the leading consumer in the region.

Helium Market in India - Fastest Growing Market in Asia-Pacific

India emerges as the fastest-growing helium market in the Asia-Pacific region, with a projected growth rate of approximately 5% during 2024-2029. The country's expanding healthcare sector, particularly the increasing installation of MRI machines, drives significant helium demand. India's growing semiconductor industry, supported by government initiatives and increasing foreign investments, further boosts helium consumption. The country's developing aerospace sector and industrial manufacturing base also contribute to the rising demand for helium in various applications.

Helium Market in North America

North America represents a crucial market in the global helium market, characterized by its significant production capabilities and diverse end-user applications. The region's market is primarily driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, a robust semiconductor industry, and extensive aerospace and defense sectors. The United States, Canada, and Mexico each contribute to the region's helium consumption, with varying degrees of market participation and growth patterns.

Helium Market in United States - Largest Market in North America

The United States dominates the North American helium market, commanding approximately 84% of the region's consumption in 2024. The country's extensive healthcare infrastructure, including numerous MRI installations, drives substantial helium demand. Additionally, the U.S. maintains a strong position in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace applications, and scientific research, all of which require significant helium usage. The presence of major technology companies and research institutions further reinforces the country's position as the leading consumer in North America.

Helium Market in Mexico - Fastest Growing Market in North America

Mexico demonstrates the highest growth potential in the North American helium market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 3% during 2024-2029. The country's expanding manufacturing sector, particularly in electronics and automotive industries, drives increasing helium demand. Mexico's growing aerospace industry and developing healthcare infrastructure contribute to the rising consumption of helium. The country's strategic position in global supply chains and increasing industrial development support its emergence as a rapidly growing market in the region.

Helium Market in Europe

The European helium market demonstrates a mature and sophisticated consumption pattern, supported by advanced industrial infrastructure and research facilities. The region's market is characterized by strong demand from medical imaging equipment, scientific research, and high-tech manufacturing sectors. Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Russia represent key markets within the region, each contributing significantly to overall helium consumption.

Helium Market in Germany - Largest Market in Europe

Germany leads the European helium market, with its extensive industrial base and advanced healthcare infrastructure. The country's strong presence in automotive manufacturing, the aerospace industry, and scientific research drives substantial helium consumption. Germany's leadership in industrial innovation and technological advancement, particularly in manufacturing and medical equipment, reinforces its position as the primary consumer in the European region.

Helium Market in France - Fastest Growing Market in Europe

France exhibits strong growth potential in the European helium market, driven by its expanding aerospace sector and medical research facilities. The country's significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and scientific research contribute to increasing helium demand. France's growing focus on advanced manufacturing and technology development supports its position as a rapidly expanding market in the region.

Helium Market in Rest of the World

The Rest of the World market, encompassing South America and the Middle East and Africa, presents diverse opportunities and challenges in helium consumption. South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, shows increasing demand driven by growing healthcare infrastructure and industrial applications. The Middle East and Africa region, with Saudi Arabia and South Africa as key markets, demonstrates potential in various applications, including medical imaging and industrial manufacturing. Within these regions, Brazil emerges as the largest market, while Saudi Arabia shows the fastest growth potential, driven by increasing industrialization and healthcare sector development.