GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Helium Industry Statistics

The helium industry is characterized by high demand from various sectors such as healthcare, technology, and aerospace, leading to concerns about potential shortages and price fluctuations in the global market.

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Highlights: Helium Industry Statistics

  • Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, accounting for roughly 24% of its elemental mass.
  • The United States is the leading producer of helium, representing over 40% of total global production.
  • The revenue of the global helium market was approximately $2.9 billion in 2019.
  • The helium industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3% from 2020 to 2025.
  • Helium demand worldwide amounted to approximately 6.54 billion cubic feet in 2019.
  • Around 14% of global helium consumption is attributed to meteorology and leak detection.
  • Back in 2006, the price of helium was about $54 per thousand cubic feet. In 2018, it was more than quadrupled to over $280.
  • Approximately 80% of the helium that is procured from natural gas is wasted.
  • There are approximately 31 producers of helium worldwide.
  • According to the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), reserves of helium in the United States indicate about 20 years of supply left at the current consumption rate.
  • In 2019, the top helium exporters globally were the United States, Qatar, and Algeria.
  • The global helium market size was valued at USD 10.6 billion in 2018.
  • In 2018, the total natural gas reserves across the globe were roughly 196 trillion cubic meters and helium reserves were approximately 52.8 billion cubic meters.
  • Cooling applications including MRI represented about 30% of helium use in 2018.
  • The medical industry is the largest end user of helium, accounting for nearly a third of the total helium consumption.
  • The second largest use of helium is for lifting purposes, including weather and party balloons, which accounts for about 17% of the consumption.
  • It is projected that by 2027, demand for helium in high-tech applications will have increased by 79%.
  • In 2020, demand for helium in the semiconductor industry increased by 9% due to bolstered electronics manufacturing.
  • Helium is a non-renewable resource, and once released into the atmosphere, it cannot be recaptured.

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The Latest Helium Industry Statistics Explained

Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, accounting for roughly 24% of its elemental mass.

The statistic that helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, comprising approximately 24% of its elemental mass, indicates the significant presence of helium on a cosmic scale. This high abundance can be attributed to the fact that helium is produced in large quantities through nuclear fusion processes in stars, particularly in the core of the Sun. Due to its lightweight nature and stability, helium is able to escape the gravitational pull of celestial bodies, remaining prevalent in the interstellar medium. The widespread distribution of helium in the universe not only contributes to our understanding of stellar evolution and cosmology but also has practical applications, such as in cryogenics and as a lifting gas for balloons.

The United States is the leading producer of helium, representing over 40% of total global production.

This statistic indicates that the United States has a dominant position in the global production of helium, contributing more than 40% of the world’s total helium output. This suggests that the U.S. plays a significant role in meeting global demand for helium, a crucial element used in various applications such as MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace technologies. The U.S.’s leading position in helium production may have implications for market dynamics, pricing, and supply security, as other countries rely heavily on American helium production to fulfill their needs. This statistic underscores the importance of the U.S. in the global helium market and highlights its strong foothold in this essential industry.

The revenue of the global helium market was approximately $2.9 billion in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the total revenue generated from the global helium market in 2019 amounted to approximately $2.9 billion. This figure represents the total value of sales or transactions within the helium market, including the production, distribution, and sale of helium gas worldwide during that year. Helium is a significant commodity used in various industries such as healthcare, electronics, and aerospace, and its market value reflects the demand for this noble gas. The $2.9 billion revenue highlights the economic significance of the helium market and its impact on the global economy in 2019.

The helium industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3% from 2020 to 2025.

This statistic implies that the helium industry is expected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3% between the years 2020 and 2025. This means that on average, the industry’s revenue, production, or any other relevant metric is anticipated to increase by 3% each year over this five-year period. A 3% CAGR signifies a gradual and steady growth trajectory for the helium industry during the specified timeframe, indicating potential opportunities for expansion and development within the market.

Helium demand worldwide amounted to approximately 6.54 billion cubic feet in 2019.

The statistic “Helium demand worldwide amounted to approximately 6.54 billion cubic feet in 2019” indicates the total volume of helium gas that was consumed on a global scale during that specific year. Helium is a crucial element used in various industries such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, for applications like cryogenics, MRI scanners, and semiconductor production. The significant demand for helium highlights its importance in modern-age technologies and scientific advancements. This statistic serves as a metric for tracking the utilization and need for helium across different sectors, emphasizing its indispensable role in driving innovation and progress around the world.

Around 14% of global helium consumption is attributed to meteorology and leak detection.

The statistic stating that around 14% of global helium consumption is attributed to meteorology and leak detection implies that a significant portion of the world’s helium supply is utilized in these two specific industries. Helium is a valuable resource with unique properties that make it essential for various applications, including filling weather balloons for meteorological observations and being used as a tracer gas for leak detection in industrial and environmental settings. Given the finite nature of helium reserves and its increasing demand in various sectors, understanding how it is allocated among different industries provides insights into the importance of helium conservation and efficient utilization strategies to ensure its availability for critical applications like meteorology and leak detection in the future.

Back in 2006, the price of helium was about $54 per thousand cubic feet. In 2018, it was more than quadrupled to over $280.

The statistic provided highlights a significant increase in the price of helium over the 12-year period from 2006 to 2018. The price of helium underwent a substantial escalation, rising from $54 per thousand cubic feet in 2006 to over $280 in 2018, representing more than a quadrupling of the cost. This drastic price increase suggests a substantial shift in the supply and demand dynamics of helium over the years, signaling potential factors such as changes in production, market forces, or regulatory aspects affecting the pricing of this essential gas. The significant surge in helium prices between 2006 and 2018 indicates a noteworthy trend that may have implications for industries utilizing helium and highlights the importance of monitoring and understanding market trends in the helium sector.

Approximately 80% of the helium that is procured from natural gas is wasted.

The statistic that approximately 80% of the helium extracted from natural gas is wasted suggests that the vast majority of this valuable resource is not being utilized effectively. Helium is a non-renewable gas that is in high demand for various industrial, scientific, and medical applications. Wastage of such a significant portion of helium could have economic and environmental implications, as the resources used in the extraction process go to waste and the potential benefits of helium utilization are not fully realized. Efforts to improve recovery and conservation methods could help to reduce this wastage and ensure a more sustainable use of this important resource.

There are approximately 31 producers of helium worldwide.

The statistic that there are approximately 31 producers of helium worldwide indicates the relatively small number of companies that are involved in the production of helium gas on a global scale. This figure suggests that helium production is concentrated among a limited number of key players in the industry. The limited number of producers implies that these companies likely have significant market influence and control over the supply of helium, which is a critical element used in various industries such as healthcare, scientific research, and technology. The statistic highlights the importance of these producers in supplying a vital resource and the potential implications of any disruptions or changes in the helium market.

According to the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), reserves of helium in the United States indicate about 20 years of supply left at the current consumption rate.

The statistic from the U.S. Geological Survey states that the reserves of helium in the United States are estimated to last for approximately 20 years at the current rate of consumption. This information is important for understanding the availability of helium, a non-renewable resource that is used in various industries such as healthcare, technology, and research. The finite nature of helium reserves highlights the need for efficient usage and conservation efforts to ensure a sustainable supply for future generations. It also emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative sources and technologies to meet the demand for helium, as well as the potential economic and environmental implications of helium scarcity in the future.

In 2019, the top helium exporters globally were the United States, Qatar, and Algeria.

The statistic “In 2019, the top helium exporters globally were the United States, Qatar, and Algeria” indicates the countries that exported the highest volumes of helium on a global scale during the year 2019. Helium is an essential element used in various industries such as healthcare, electronics, and aerospace. The United States is known to have significant helium reserves and plays a prominent role in the global helium market. Qatar and Algeria are also notable players in the global helium trade, with both countries having established helium production facilities. The fact that these three countries were the top exporters of helium in 2019 highlights their importance in supplying this crucial and in-demand gas to international markets.

The global helium market size was valued at USD 10.6 billion in 2018.

The statistic indicates that the global helium market had an estimated total value of USD 10.6 billion in the year 2018. This value represents the combined revenues generated from the production, distribution, and sale of helium worldwide during that period. The market size serves as a key indicator of the economic significance and scale of the helium industry, reflecting the demand for this noble gas across various sectors such as healthcare, electronics, and aerospace. This statistic helps stakeholders, investors, and market analysts understand the financial attractiveness and potential growth opportunities within the global helium market.

In 2018, the total natural gas reserves across the globe were roughly 196 trillion cubic meters and helium reserves were approximately 52.8 billion cubic meters.

In 2018, the global natural gas reserves totaled approximately 196 trillion cubic meters, indicating a substantial volume of this valuable energy resource available for future consumption and utilization. Additionally, helium reserves were estimated to be around 52.8 billion cubic meters, underscoring the importance of this noble gas for specialized applications in industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and technology. The disparate volumes of natural gas and helium reserves highlight the significant differences in abundance and extraction feasibility of these two gases, with natural gas being a widely used mainstream energy source, while helium is a more limited and niche resource essential for various high-tech and scientific purposes.

Cooling applications including MRI represented about 30% of helium use in 2018.

The statistic indicates that cooling applications, particularly in the context of MRI machines, accounted for approximately 30% of the total helium consumption in 2018. This suggests that a significant portion of helium usage was allocated to cooling systems, such as those used in medical imaging technology like MRI scanners. The high demand for helium in cooling applications highlights the importance of this inert gas in maintaining optimal operating temperatures for equipment like MRI machines, which rely on precise cooling mechanisms for accurate and effective functioning. The statistic underscores the critical role of helium in supporting various technological applications, especially within the medical field where precise temperature control is essential for diagnostic imaging processes.

The medical industry is the largest end user of helium, accounting for nearly a third of the total helium consumption.

This statistic indicates that not only is the medical industry a significant consumer of helium, but it is indeed the largest end user, utilizing close to one-third of the total helium consumption. Helium is a crucial resource in various medical applications, such as for cooling MRI machines and in liquid form for cryogenic medical treatments. The high demand from the medical sector highlights the importance of helium in sustaining essential healthcare technologies and procedures. By accounting for such a substantial portion of helium consumption, the medical industry plays a critical role in driving the market for this scarce and valuable resource.

The second largest use of helium is for lifting purposes, including weather and party balloons, which accounts for about 17% of the consumption.

The statistic indicates that the second most common use of helium is for lifting purposes, specifically in activities like filling weather balloons and party balloons, comprising approximately 17% of the total helium consumption. Helium’s low density and inert properties make it ideal for lifting applications as it is lighter than air and non-flammable. The widespread use of helium in various types of balloons illustrates its importance in recreational and scientific activities. However, given the limited global supply of helium and its importance in critical applications such as medical imaging and industrial processes, the significant portion allocated to lifting purposes may raise concerns about resource allocation and potential helium shortages in the future.

It is projected that by 2027, demand for helium in high-tech applications will have increased by 79%.

The statistic denotes a projection that predicts a significant surge in the demand for helium in high-tech applications by the year 2027. Specifically, the projected increase is estimated to reach 79%, indicating that almost twice as much helium will be needed for these advanced applications compared to the current levels. This substantial growth in demand suggests a rising reliance on helium in various cutting-edge technologies such as MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace industries. The statistic highlights the crucial role of helium in supporting the advancement and innovation of high-tech sectors and signifies the need for efficient helium resource management and exploration to meet the escalating demand by 2027.

In 2020, demand for helium in the semiconductor industry increased by 9% due to bolstered electronics manufacturing.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, there was a notable 9% increase in the demand for helium specifically within the semiconductor industry. This surge in demand can be attributed to the strengthened growth in electronics manufacturing activities during that period. Helium is a crucial component in various semiconductor manufacturing processes, particularly in the production of chips and other electronic components. The rise in demand for helium signifies a substantial uptick in semiconductor manufacturing operations, likely driven by advancements in technology, increased consumer electronics consumption, or other factors that have led to an expansion in the production of electronic devices.

Helium is a non-renewable resource, and once released into the atmosphere, it cannot be recaptured.

This statistic highlights the limited availability of helium as a natural resource and the irreversible consequences of releasing it into the atmosphere. Helium is a non-renewable element, derived primarily from the natural radioactive decay of underground deposits. Once helium is released into the atmosphere, it is so light that it can easily escape Earth’s gravity and be lost into outer space. This means that the amount of helium on Earth is finite and diminishing, making it important to conserve and prioritize its use for critical applications such as in medical imaging, space exploration, and scientific research. Efforts to capture and recycle helium are essential to ensure its availability for future generations.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

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4. – https://www.www.thebalancesmb.com

5. – https://www.pubs.usgs.gov

6. – https://www.www.prnewswire.com

7. – https://www.cen.acs.org

8. – https://www.www.gasworld.com

9. – https://www.www.globenewswire.com

10. – https://www.www.nationalgeographic.com

11. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

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