Helium Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, Segmented By Phase, By Application, By End User, By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Global Helium market was valued at USD 4.10 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6.01 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.58%. The global helium market represents a strategically vital segment of the industrial gases sector, defined by sustained long-term demand, constrained supply channels, and a broad spectrum of high-value applications across key industries. As a rare, non-renewable noble gas, helium's exceptional attributes including an ultra-low boiling point, chemical inertness, and high thermal conductivity make it essential in critical domains such as healthcare (e.g., MRI systems), semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace propulsion, defense technologies, and advanced scientific research.

Amid rising consumption from technology-driven sectors, the helium market is navigating a complex landscape shaped by geographically concentrated reserves and growing supply risks. The industry is positioned for continued expansion, underpinned by strategic investments in new extraction projects, technological advancements, and robust industrial demand. However, the path forward will depend heavily on enhancing supply chain resilience, managing price volatility, and advancing sustainability measures, including helium conservation and recycling. In this context, helium is increasingly recognized not merely as a commodity gas, but as a critical strategic resource in the evolving global industrial and technological ecosystem.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand from the Healthcare Sector

The healthcare sector plays a pivotal role in driving the expansion of the global helium market, contributing a significant share of both helium consumption and long-term demand stability. As healthcare systems across the globe continue to modernize and expand their infrastructure, the reliance on helium particularly in its liquid form has increased considerably. This sustained growth is rooted in the indispensable role helium plays in advanced diagnostic imaging, respiratory therapy, and medical research. The largest single application of helium in the healthcare industry is in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems, which are used for non-invasive, high-resolution imaging of internal body structures. MRI machines depend on superconducting magnets, which must be cooled to extremely low temperatures (approximately 4 Kelvin or -269°C) to maintain their superconductive state. Liquid helium is the only element capable of achieving and sustaining such ultra-cold temperatures, making it irreplaceable in MRI operations. With the global healthcare industry placing increasing emphasis on early diagnosis, preventive care, and non-invasive medical imaging, the demand for MRI systems is growing rapidly particularly in emerging economies where healthcare infrastructure is expanding at a significant pace. In 2022, the global burden of cancer reached an estimated 20 million new cases, resulting in approximately 9.7 million cancer-related deaths. Meanwhile, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remained the leading cause of mortality worldwide, impacting more than 523 million individuals and accounting for an estimated 20.5 million deaths in 2021, highlighting the urgent need for scalable healthcare interventions and early detection strategies across both disease areas. The rising incidence of chronic illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions has led to a surge in demand for advanced diagnostic imaging, including MRIs.

The aging global population, especially in developed countries, further contributes to increased healthcare utilization and diagnostic needs. The United Nations projects that the global population aged 65 and above will double over the 100-year period from 1974 to 2074, reaching 20.7% of the total population. This demographic shift underscores the long-term implications of global aging on healthcare systems, workforce dynamics, and social infrastructure. This demographic shift is directly linked to the growth in helium demand, as more MRI machines are deployed to meet growing patient loads. Emerging economies particularly in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa are witnessing significant investments in healthcare facilities, diagnostics centers, and hospitals. As governments and private healthcare providers expand their diagnostic capabilities, the number of MRI installations is rising steadily, increasing helium consumption. Global health initiatives and public-private partnerships are also facilitating access to advanced imaging technologies in previously underserved regions, further driving demand.

In addition to its use in imaging, gaseous helium is utilized in respiratory therapies, particularly for patients with severe or chronic pulmonary conditions. Helium, when mixed with oxygen (as in Heliox), helps improve airflow by reducing resistance in constricted airways. This is especially useful in treating asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and upper airway obstructions. The increasing incidence of respiratory disorders, particularly in urban areas with high pollution levels, has heightened the demand for such therapies. A recent study estimates that approximately 7.4% of the global population is affected by chronic respiratory conditions, highlighting a substantial and persistent public health challenge with significant implications for healthcare delivery and long-term disease management strategies worldwide.

Key Market Challenges

Limited and Geographically Concentrated Supply Sources

One of the most fundamental challenges facing the global helium market is the limited availability of helium reserves and the geographical concentration of production.

Helium is a finite resource, primarily extracted as a by-product of natural gas processing. However, only a small percentage of natural gas fields contain helium in economically recoverable concentrations. Major helium-producing regions such as the United States, Qatar, Algeria, and Russia dominate global supply, creating significant dependency on a few producers. This concentration exposes the global market to geopolitical risks, operational disruptions, and regional instabilities. For example, shutdowns of helium production facilities or export restrictions from a key supplier can result in global shortages.

The lack of diversified and scalable production capacity limits the ability of the market to respond quickly to rising demand, making supply security a persistent concern for end users.

Key Market Trends

Development of Helium Recycling and Conservation Technologies

One of the most impactful trends shaping the future of the helium market is the increased adoption of helium recycling and conservation systems across industries, especially in healthcare, electronics, and research institutions.

Helium is a non-renewable and increasingly costly resource, which has prompted high-volume users particularly hospitals and semiconductor manufacturers to invest in closed-loop helium recovery systems. Zero boil-off MRI systems, for example, are designed to minimize or eliminate helium loss during machine operation, significantly reducing long-term consumption without compromising performance. Research laboratories and industrial facilities are also installing on-site recovery and purification systems that capture helium gas after use and recycle it for repeated applications.

This trend reflects a broader industry shift toward resource efficiency and cost optimization, and as these technologies become more accessible and scalable, they are expected to extend helium's lifecycle and reduce supply strain ultimately supporting sustainable market growth.

Key Market Players

• Air Products and Chemicals, Inc
• Linde PLC
• Air Liquide
• Messer SE & Co. KGaA
• TAIYO NIPPON SANSO CORPORATION
• MESA Specialty Gases & Equipment
• MATHESON Tri-Gas, Inc
• Iwatani Corporation
• Gazprom
• Gulfcryo

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Helium Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Helium Market, By Phase:

• Gas
• Liquid

Helium Market, By Application:

• Breathing Mixes
• Cryogenics
• Leak Detection
• Pressurizing & Puring
• Welding
• Controlled Atmosphere
• Other

Helium Market, By End User:

• Aerospace & Defense
• Medical & Healthcare
• Electronics & Electrical
• Nuclear Power
• Metal Fabrication
• Other

Helium Market, By Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Germany
  • Spain
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Helium Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Helium market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).