Helium Market Size, Share, Growth, Report 2026 to 2035

What is the Helium Market Size and Share?

The global helium market size was valued at USD 8.35 billion in 2025, is estimated to reach USD 8.92 billion in 2026, and is projected to reach USD 16.20 billion by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.85% over the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.North America dominated the helium market with the largest revenue share of 33% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.00% during the forecast period. The growing demand from the healthcare and high-tech sectors is the key factor driving market growth. Also, global expansion of healthcare infrastructure coupled with the innovations in recovery and recycling can fuel market growth further.

Market Highlights

• By region, North America dominated the market with the largest share of 33% in 2025. The dominance of the region can be attributed to the growing healthcare imaging market.
• By region, Asia Pacific held a market share of 31% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.20% over the forecast period. The growth of the region can be credited to the increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure.
• By phase, the gas segment dominated the market with the largest share of 72% in 2025. The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the growing consumption of gas across the globe.
• By phase, the liquid segment held a market share of 28% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.60% in 2025. The growth of the segment can be credited to the growing demand for liquid helium from different sectors.
• By application, the cryogenics segment dominated the market with the largest share of 34% in 2025. The dominance of the segment can be linked to the growing adoption of quantum technology.
• By application, the leak detection segment held a market share of 12% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.10% during the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be driven by growing aerospace inspection activities.
• By end use, the medical & healthcare segment dominated the market with the largest share of 31% in 2025. The dominance of the segment is owing to the increasing demand for diagnostic imaging.
• By end use, the electronics & electrical segment held a market share of 25% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.40% during the projected period. The growth of the segment is due to ongoing expansion of semiconductor capacity.

The Power of Helium in Industries and Science

Helium is a chemical element that is a nontoxic, tasteless, odourless, and colorless gas. It is lighter than air and possesses very low chemical reactivity. The atomic number of helium is two, and its atomic weight is 4.002602. These properties of helium play a pivotal role in national defense, the medical industry, space exploration, and high technology manufacturing. Helium is liquid at a temperature near absolute zero. It is widely used to fill party and parade balloons. Neon lasers made up of helium are used in eye surgery, and helium is also used in rare document preservation. It is used as an inert gas for welding metals like aluminium.  The growing demand for applications like welding, leak detection, and cryogenics increases the demand for helium. The growing demand for semiconductor manufacturing helps in the market growth. Factors like advancements in electronics, growing demand from healthcare, rising adoption of renewable energy sources, and growing investment in the aerospace & defense sector contribute to the overall growth of the helium market.

MRI Healthcare Infrastructure Growth Supports Market Growth

The surge in consumption of helium by the healthcare sector due to the need for liquid helium for the effective functioning of MRI systems is presenting lucrative opportunities in the market. The fast growth of manufacturing facilities in the semiconductor sector becomes a strong factor for market expansion.

• In April 2026, Rift Helium Plc officially joined Londons AIM market after securing £8.1 million through an initial public offering. This capitalization allows the Tanzania-focused explorer to fund the next phase of development at its Upepo helium project, which includes upcoming 3D seismic programs and preparation for drilling.(Source:www.proactiveinvestors.com)

The company said the fundraising, completed through a placement and direct subscription, will support growth further.

Market Trends

• The growing demand from the healthcare sector: The growing expansion of the healthcare sector and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases fuel demand for helium for various applications. Helium is widely used in MRI machines, respiratory treatments, laparoscopic surgeries, and imaging techniques.
• The growing space exploration: The increasing global investment in space exploration increases demand for helium. In space exploration, helium is used in leak detection, fuel tank pressurization, and cooling systems in spacecraft & rockets.  
• The increasing demand for industrial applications: The growing demand for various industrial applications like leak detection, welding, and instrumentation increases demand for helium. 

Report Scope

Supply Chain Analysis of the Helium Market

Production & Processing

• Helium is not directly mined; rather, it is recovered as a byproduct during natural gas processing. As a geologically finite and non-renewable resource, its production and refinement pipeline require highly specialized, capital-intensive infrastructure and are also controlled by a limited number of vertically integrated industrial gas conglomerates.
• Linde plc: One of the largest industrial gas companies globally. Linde manages extensive upstream and downstream capabilities, including massive helium storage caverns and large-scale liquefaction plants.
• Other Key Players: Messer Group, QatarEnergy LNG 

Quality Testing and Certification 

• This refers to the strict methodologies employed to quantify gas composition and identify micro-leaks. It serves to validate that the product adheres to rigorous global industry regulations prior to commercial distribution.
• Air Products: A dominant vendor providing bulk gas, specialty materials, and testing equipment to the global electronics sector.
• Other Key Players: Pfeiffer Vacuum, INFICON

Distribution to Industrial Users 

• It involves distributing purified helium in gaseous or liquid states from primary refiners to end-users across critical sectors, including healthcare, electronics, and aerospace. Because of the elements high volatility and susceptibility to boil-off, this logistical phase strictly necessitates specialized cryogenic equipment.
• QatarEnergy: Operating out of the Middle East, it is a primary manufacturer producing helium as a byproduct of natural gas, supplying raw and refined liquid helium to major global distributors.
• Other Key Players: Iwatani Corporation, Messer Group

Market Opportunity

The Growing Expansion of the Semiconductor Industry 

The growing expansion of the semiconductor industry increases the demand for helium. The growing demand for semiconductor manufacturing fuels the demand for helium to ensure optimal performance and prevent overheating. The growing advancements in the semiconductor industry, like quantum computing, AI, and others, increase demand for helium. Helium controls temperature during wafer production. The growing demand for cooling agents for semiconductor production increases the adoption of helium to maintain optimal temperature. It prevents oxidation during the manufacturing of semiconductors.

The growing demand for cooling components in advanced technologies like quantum computing increases the demand for helium cryogenic processes. Helium creates protective atmospheres during semiconductor manufacturing processes. The growing expansion of the semiconductor industry creates the opportunity for the growth of the helium market.

• India exported $2.07B of semiconductor devices in 2023. (Source: oec.world)

Market Challenge

Complex Extraction & Processing Limits Expansion of the Helium Market

Despite several benefits of helium across various industries, complex extraction & processing restricts market growth. The cost of the process of extracting and processing helium is high. Helium is extracted from natural gas byproducts. The extraction of helium involves various processes like pre-treatment of natural gas, cryogenic distillation, purification, and additional methods like adsorption & membrane separation, which are complex. Helium extraction is completely dependent on the production of natural gas. The complex extraction processes require a number of facilities. Pre-treatment of the natural gas process includes initial purification and heavy hydrocarbon removal. Cryogenic distillation involves cooling, liquefication, and separation. Purification includes impurity removal & extraction of grade A helium. The complex extraction and processing hamper the growth of the market. 

Segmental Insights

Phase Insights

The gas phase segment dominate the helium market in 2025. The growing production of modern electronic devices and semiconductors increases demand for helium gas. The growing demand from a wide range of industries, like leak detection and welding, helps in the market growth. The growing need to create controlled environments during the manufacturing of semiconductors and electronics fuels demand for helium. The growing demand for purging and pressurizing tanks in the aerospace industry increases demand for helium, helping in the market growth. The growing utilization of medical imaging equipment, like lung ventilators and MRI, drives the growth of the overall market.

The liquid phase segment is the fastest growing in the market during the forecast period. The growing demand for MRI diagnostics and the increasing demand for cooling superconducting magnets fuel demand for liquid gas. The growing demand for maintaining extremely low temperatures in scientific research applications like space exploration, quantum computing, and particle accelerators helps in the market growth. The growing demand for MRI machines in various regions increases the demand for helium. The growing demand from various industrial applications like crystal growth, rocket fuel tanks, and many other applications increases the demand for helium. The growing expansion of the healthcare industry, especially in countries like India and China, increases demand for helium, driving the overall growth of the market.  

Application Insights

Why Cryogenics Segment Dominate the Helium Market?

The cryogenics segment dominate the helium market in 2024. The growing demand for biological sample preservation, such as tissue samples, eggs, and embryos, increases demand for cryogenics. The increasing demand from medical applications like blood preservation, cryosurgery, cryotherapy, and tissue preservation helps in the market growth. The growing demand for electronic devices fuels the adoption of cryogenic cooling to enhance the performance of devices. The growing automotive industry and rising demand for various food & beverages increase demand for cryogenics for cooling certain components and preservation of food. The wide range of applications, like facilitating scientific experiments, regenerative medicine, cooling materials & equipment, and advancement in biotechnology, drives market growth. Additionally, the growing demand from space exploration for various purposes like spacecraft & cooling infrared detectors on telescopes supports the overall growth of the market.

The leak detection segment experiences the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The stricter environmental regulations increase demand for leak detection. The growing demand from the automotive industry for testing of components like air conditioning systems, fuel lines, and engine components helps in the market growth. The rising technological advancements, like AI & automation integrations, are developing more advanced helium leak detectors. These detectors detect extremely low leak rates and identify the smallest defect in systems & components. Additionally, growing demand across various industries like medical devices, aerospace, construction, and electronics drives the overall growth of the market.

Helium Market Share, By Application, 2025(%)

End Use Insights

The medical & healthcare segment dominated the helium market in 2025. The growing demand for MRI examinations and the increasing installation of MRI units in various healthcare settings help in the market growth. The growing various respiratory conditions like COPD & Asthma increases demand for breathing mixtures made from helium. The growing demand from various medical applications and the increasing demand for preserving biological samples fuel demand for helium cryogenics. The ongoing research in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy increases demand for helium. Additionally, the growing expansion of healthcare infrastructure and the rising requirement for advanced imaging facilities support the overall growth of the market.

The electronics & electrical segment is the fastest growing in the market during the forecast period. The rising demand for LED screens fuels demand for helium for inert atmosphere and cooling, helping in the market growth. The growing demand for minimizing defects, cooling electronic components, and enhancing quality increases demand for helium. The growing adoption of high-performance functionality electronic devices fuels demand for helium. The increasing demand for leak detection in electrical parts helps in the market growth. Additionally, growing consumer electronics production, miniaturization of devices, and technological advancements support the market growth.

Helium Market Share, By End Use, 2025(%)

Regional Insights

How Did  North America dominate the Helium Market in 2025?

The North America helium market size was estimated at USD 2.76 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 5.43 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.00% from 2026 to 2035.North America dominated the market with the largest share of 33% in 2025. The dominance of the region can be attributed to the growing healthcare imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace/defense sectors. In addition, the region hosts prominent aerospace corporations and defense contractors. Helium is essential in this sector for pressurizing liquid propellant tanks, purging gas lines, and facilitating satellite launches.

United States

• U.S. foundries increasingly use high-purity gaseous helium as a carrier gas, reaction moderator, and coolant for wafer manufacturing.
• The U.S. operates the worlds largest installed base of MRI scanners, needing vast amounts of liquid helium to maintain superconducting magnets.

Canada

• The growth of the global semiconductor industry is directly boosting helium consumption due to its use in extreme thermal management and wafer manufacturing.
• Canadas federal and provincial governments are heavily investing in the sector, offering companies such as Helium to accelerate resource exploration and production.

Asia Pacific held a market share of 31% in 2025 and was expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.20% over the forecast period. The growth of the region can be credited to the increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure and expanding semiconductor manufacturing, coupled with the investments in quantum computing laboratories. The rapid expansion of aerospace and satellite launch initiatives in nations such as China and Japan is generating a substantial increase in the demand for high-purity helium. 

China

• Chinas rapidly growing fab footprint needs immense volumes of helium for wafer cooling and to create inert environments during chip fabrication.
• Expanding healthcare infrastructure has led to a surge in the installation of MRI machines, which depends entirely on liquid helium to maintain superconducting magnets.

India

• The growing healthcare infrastructure in India needs massive amounts of liquid helium to cool and operate superconducting magnets in MRIs.
• Indias push to become a global electronics manufacturing hub heavily fuels the demand for high-purity helium.

Europe held a market share of 22% in 2025. The growth of the region can be linked to the escalating requirement for advanced, non-invasive diagnostic capabilities, which has created a robust global market for state-of-the-art MRI hardware and software solutions. Also, the European aerospace and defense sectors, boosted by initiatives of the European Space Agency (ESA), depend heavily on helium.

Germany

• Germany’s world-class healthcare system depends heavily on liquid helium to maintain the superconductivity of magnets in MRI and NMR systems. 
• Germany has a strong domestic and foreign presence in semiconductor manufacturing. Heliums unique thermal conductivity and inertness are strictly required for wafer cooling.

France

• France has a highly developed aerospace industry, such as the operations surrounding the European Space Agency.
• Helium is heavily used in Frances advanced manufacturing for controlled atmosphere welding and specialized leak testing for the growing electric vehicle (EV) battery sector.

Latin America held a market share of 6% in 2025. The growth of the region can be driven by ongoing urbanization and the expanding healthcare industry, coupled with the surge in investments in the aerospace and defense sectors. The continuous expansion of regional university and scientific research infrastructure needs a reliable pipeline of both liquid and gaseous helium to facilitate low-temperature physics experiments and analytical instrumentation.

Brazil 

• Brazil is witnessing a rise in high-tech manufacturing, requiring liquid and gaseous helium for wafer cooling, plasma etching, and leak detection in chip fabrication.
• The countrys expanding petrochemical, automotive, and nuclear energy sectors use helium for metal welding and strict leak detection processes.

Argentina

• Argentinas industrial and automotive sectors heavily use helium-shielded welding and leak detection, such as in HVAC systems and alternative fuel vehicle manufacturing.
• Growing cryogenics, quantum computing, and material sciences in local academic and research laboratories continuously drive secondary helium consumption.

The Middle East & Africa held a market share of 8% in 2025. The growth of the region can be attributed to the continuous growth of the aerospace and defense industries, along with ongoing initiatives to localize critical resource supply chains. Furthermore, major market players are heavily funding primary helium exploration programs in underdeveloped geological zones throughout Southern Africa, leading to regional growth soon.

Saudi Arabia

• The increasing prevalence of diagnostic imaging drives demand for liquid helium to cool the superconducting magnets in MRI machines.
• Investments into new scientific research facilities, aerospace projects, and advanced technology parks further stimulate localized specialty gas consumption.

UAE

The UAE governments strategic push into aerospace, satellite programs, and advanced scientific research needs continuous supplies of helium for various pressurization operations.
The UAEs emphasis on premium medical infrastructure creates steady demand for liquid helium, which is non-substitutable for cooling superconducting magnets in MRI machines.

Recent Developments

• In April 2026, the ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, Atadurdy Bayramov, convened a formal meeting with Professor Hideomi Koinuma, president of the Turkmen Japanese Scientific and Technological Association, and representatives from partner Japanese corporations. The high-level session focused on evaluating the technical and economic viability of an innovative joint project dedicated to the industrial extraction of helium from liquefied natural gas.(Source:business.com.tm)

Top Companies List

• Linde Plc
• Messer Group
• MESA Specialty Gases & Equipment
• Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
• Air Liquide
• Taiyo Nippon Sanso India
• Matheson Tri-Gas Inc.
• Gazprom PJSC
• IACX Energy
• Iwatani corporation
• Gulf Cryo S.A.L.

Segments Covered

• By Phase
  • Gas
    • Compressed Helium Gas
    • High-Purity Helium Gas
    • Ultra-High Purity Helium Gas
  • Liquid
    • Bulk Liquid Helium
    • Research Grade Liquid Helium
    • Medical Grade Liquid Helium
• By Application
  • Cryogenics
    • MRI Cooling
    • NMR Systems
    • Scientific Research
    • Superconducting Magnets
  • Breathing Mixes
    • Deep Sea Diving
    • Medical Respiratory Mixtures
  • Pressurizing & Purging
    • Rocket Fuel Tanks
    • Semiconductor Manufacturing
    • Industrial Systems
  • Leak Detection
    • Automotive Testing
    • Aerospace Testing
    • Industrial Equipment Inspection
  • Controlled Atmosphere
    • Fiber Optics Manufacturing
    • Semiconductor Production
    • Metallurgical Processing
  • Welding
    • Arc Welding
    • Laser Welding
    • Specialty Metal Welding
  • Other Applications
    • Lifting Gas
    • Analytical Instruments
    • Carrier Gas Applications
• By End Use
  • Medical & Healthcare
    • MRI Systems
    • Diagnostic Equipment
    • Research Laboratories
  • Aerospace & Defense
    • Space Exploration
    • Satellite Manufacturing
    • Defense Systems
  • Nuclear Power
    • Reactor Cooling
    • Nuclear Research Facilities
  • Electronics & Electrical
    • Semiconductor Manufacturing
    • Fiber Optics
    • Electronics Assembly
  • Metal Fabrication
    • Welding Operations
    • Heat Treatment
    • Industrial Processing
  • Others
    • Scientific Research
    • Energy Sector
    • Automotive Industry

By Region

• North America 
  
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Denmark
  • Norway
• Asia Pacific 
  
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
• Latin America 
  
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
  
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait