세계의 헬륨 시장 규모는 2024년에 41억 달러로, 2030년에 연평균 성장률(CAGR)은 6.58%를 나타낼 것으로 예측되고 60억 1,000만 달러에 이를 것으로 전망됩니다.
세계의 헬륨 시장은 산업 가스 부문의 전략적으로 중요한 부문이며 지속적인 장기 수요, 제한된 공급 경로, 주요 산업 전반에 걸친 광범위한 고부가가치 응용 분야로 정의되는 산업용 가스 부문의 전략적으로 중요한 세그먼트를 대표합니다. 희귀하고 재생 불가능한 불활성 기체인 헬륨은 초저비점, 화학적 비활성, 높은 열전도율 등 탁월한 특성으로 인해 의료(예 : MRI 시스템), 반도체 제조, 항공우주 추진, 방위 기술, 첨단 과학 연구 등 핵심 분야에서 필수적입니다.
| 시장 개요 | |
|---|---|
| 예측 기간 | 2026-2030년 |
| 시장 규모 : 2024년 | 41억 달러 |
| 시장 규모 : 2030년 | 60억 1,000만 달러 |
| 연평균 성장률(CAGR)(2025-2030년) | 6.58% |
| 급성장 부문 | 기체상 |
| 최대 시장 | 아시아태평양 |
기술 주도 부문의 소비 증가 속에서 헬륨 시장은 지리적으로 집중된 매장량과 증가하는 공급 위험으로 형성된 복잡한 환경을 헤쳐 나가고 있습니다. 산업은 새로운 추출 프로젝트에 대한 전략적 투자, 기술 발전 및 강력한 산업 수요에 힘입어 지속적인 확장을 위한 입지를 구축하고 있습니다. 그러나 앞으로의 길은 공급망 회복력 강화, 가격 변동성 관리, 헬륨 보존 및 재활용을 포함한 지속 가능성 조치 추진에 크게 좌우될 것입니다. 이러한 맥락에서 헬륨은 단순한 상품 가스가 아닌 진화하는 글로벌 산업 및 기술 생태계에서 핵심 전략적 자원으로 점점 더 인식되고 있습니다.
의료 부문의 수요 증가
제한적이고 지리적으로 집중된 공급원
세계의 헬륨 시장이 직면한 가장 근본적인 과제 중 하나는 헬륨 매장량의 제한적 가용성과 생산의 지리적 집중입니다.
다양화되고 확장 가능한 생산 능력의 부재는 시장이 증가하는 수요에 신속히 대응하는 능력을 제한하여, 공급 안정성이 최종 사용자에게 지속적인 우려 사항이 되게 합니다.
헬륨 재활용 및 보존 기술 개발
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.
| Market Overview | |
|---|---|
| Forecast Period | 2026-2030 |
| Market Size 2024 | USD 4.10 Billion |
| Market Size 2030 | USD 6.01 Billion |
| CAGR 2025-2030 | 6.58% |
| Fastest Growing Segment | Gas Phase |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
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.
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:
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Helium Market.
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: