Segment Analysis of Helium Gas Market: Products, Applications, and End-Users

In Business Insights
September 29, 2025

Global Helium Gas market size was valued at USD 3.9 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 4.1 billion in 2024 to USD 5.7 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period.

Helium Gas is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic noble gas that is the second most abundant element in the universe. It is primarily extracted from natural gas deposits through a process involving cryogenic distillation or pressure swing adsorption. Known for its extremely low boiling point and inert properties, helium gas is essential in applications requiring cooling to near absolute zero or providing a safe, non-flammable atmosphere. Its unique characteristics have led to indispensable roles in industries like healthcare, electronics, aerospace, and manufacturing.

The market for helium gas, while facing supply constraints due to limited reserves, remains vital for technological advancement. Demand is driven by medical imaging technologies, semiconductor production, space exploration, and growing energy sector needs for leak detection and welding processes.

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Segmentation by Product Type

The Helium Gas market can be divided into two key product categories:

1. Liquid Helium

Liquid helium, cooled to -269°C, is used in cryogenic applications where superconductivity or ultra-low temperatures are needed. It is transported in specialized dewars to maintain its state.

  • Market Insight: Liquid helium commands a premium due to its critical role in MRI machines and particle accelerators. The segment is growing with advancements in quantum computing and superconductivity research, though evaporation losses during transport pose logistical challenges.

  • Trend: Asia-Pacific’s expanding research infrastructure is boosting liquid helium adoption, with institutions investing in closed-loop systems to reduce consumption and environmental impact.

2. Gaseous Helium

Gaseous helium is the most common form, supplied in high-pressure cylinders or via pipelines for direct use. It is valued for its ease of handling and immediate applicability in processes that do not require extreme cooling.

  • Market Insight: Gaseous helium dominates the market due to its versatility in industrial and scientific applications. It is particularly favored in welding and leak detection where purity levels of 99.99% or higher ensure reliable performance. However, as supply chains tighten, end-users are increasingly exploring recycling technologies to mitigate costs.

  • Trend: In regions like North America and Europe, gaseous helium sees steady demand from manufacturing sectors, but price volatility linked to natural gas extraction is prompting shifts toward more efficient usage protocols.

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Segmentation by Application

Applications define the true value of helium gas. Each industry leverages its inertness, lightness, and cryogenic properties to address specific operational needs.

1. Cryogenics

The cryogenics sector is the largest consumer of helium gas, utilizing it primarily in liquid form to achieve temperatures below -250°C for scientific and medical equipment.

  • Insight: Liquid helium is vital for cooling superconducting magnets in MRI scanners and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, enabling precise imaging and analysis in healthcare and research.

  • Trend: With the global rise in medical diagnostics and particle physics experiments, such as those at CERN, cryogenics demand is surging. Efforts to develop helium-free alternatives are underway, but none match its efficiency yet.

2. Aerostatics

In aerostatics, helium’s low density makes it ideal for lifting airships, weather balloons, and party balloons, providing a safer alternative to hydrogen.

  • Insight: Gaseous helium supports meteorological observations and recreational uses, with purity ensuring safe inflation and buoyancy.

  • Trend: The resurgence of airships for cargo transport and surveillance in defense is revitalizing this segment, particularly in North America and Europe, where sustainable aviation initiatives promote helium-based solutions.

3. Semiconductor & Fiber Optics

Helium gas is essential in semiconductor manufacturing for cooling during lithography and as a carrier gas in fiber optic production.

  • Insight: High-purity gaseous helium prevents contamination in chip fabrication, supporting the creation of advanced electronics like LEDs and sensors.

  • Trend: As 5G and AI technologies expand, especially in Asia-Pacific, this application is accelerating. Fiber optic networks for high-speed internet are further amplifying demand.

4. Leak Detection & Gas Chromatography

Helium’s small atomic size and inertness make it perfect for detecting leaks in pipelines and as a carrier in analytical chromatography.

  • Insight: In industrial settings, helium tracer tests ensure integrity in oil & gas and automotive systems, while in labs, it enhances separation accuracy in chemical analysis.

  • Trend: Stricter safety regulations in energy and pharmaceuticals are driving adoption, with portable detection devices incorporating helium for real-time monitoring.

5. Industrial Welding

Helium is used as a shielding gas in welding processes like TIG and MIG, providing better arc stability and penetration than argon in certain metals.

  • Insight: Mixed with other gases, helium improves weld quality in aerospace and automotive manufacturing, where precision is paramount.

  • Trend: Growth in electric vehicle production and heavy machinery sectors is sustaining demand, though cost pressures are encouraging optimized gas mixtures.

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Segmentation by End-User

1. Healthcare & Medical Institutions

Healthcare providers and medical device manufacturers are the largest end-user group for helium gas, relying on it for diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

  • Insight: MRI machines consume vast quantities of liquid helium to maintain superconducting states, directly impacting patient care efficiency.

  • Trend: Aging populations in Europe and North America are increasing imaging procedures, while emerging markets in Asia-Pacific add volume through new hospital builds.

2. Electronics & Semiconductor Companies

Semiconductor firms and electronics assemblers use helium in cleanroom environments and precision manufacturing.

  • Insight: As device nodes shrink to 3nm and below, helium’s role in cooling and purging becomes even more critical to yield rates.

  • Trend: Major players in Taiwan and South Korea are scaling fabs for next-gen chips, fueling regional demand amid global supply chain diversification.

3. Research & Academic Institutions

Universities and national labs procure helium for experiments in physics, chemistry, and materials science.

  • Insight: While volumes are modest, this group pioneers innovations like quantum sensors, influencing long-term industrial applications.

  • Trend: Increased funding for fusion energy and nanotechnology research, particularly in the U.S. and EU, is broadening helium’s research footprint.

4. Aerospace & Defense Organizations

Aerospace entities and defense contractors employ helium in propulsion testing, satellite pressurization, and simulation chambers.

  • Insight: Helium’s inertness ensures safe handling of rocket fuels, supporting missions from NASA to commercial space ventures.

  • Trend: The boom in satellite constellations and hypersonic programs is creating urgent demand, with recycling initiatives gaining traction to address shortages.

5. Industrial & Manufacturing Companies

These end-users apply helium in welding, cooling, and quality control across automotive, energy, and construction sectors.

  • Insight: Cost-effective shielding in welding operations helps maintain productivity, though alternatives are evaluated during price spikes.

  • Trend: Industrial automation and green manufacturing in China and India are steadily incorporating helium for enhanced precision and safety.

The Helium Gas market is best understood through its segmentation landscape. By product type, gaseous helium leads in volume, but liquid forms drive higher value in specialized uses. By application, cryogenics dominate, yet semiconductors and welding offer robust growth. By end-user, healthcare spearheads consumption, supported by electronics and research for sustained expansion.

Read Full Report Here: 
Helium Gas Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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Helium Gas Market – View in Detailed Research Report