For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Helium pricing environment in North America experienced a significant downturn, primarily driven by an oversupply situation and diminished procurement efforts. This decline was exacerbated by weakened demand from vital sectors, including healthcare and high-tech manufacturing, which added to the prevailing negative sentiment. The United States, as a major player in the helium market, faced substantial price fluctuations amid excess supply and stagnant market dynamics.
Throughout the quarter, prices consistently fell, reflecting notable shifts between the first and second halves of the period. Seasonal factors and geopolitical tensions further complicated the landscape, contributing to a challenging pricing environment. Importantly, tepid demand and ample inventories have led manufacturers to refrain from initiating any price changes in the domestic market, with overall operating rates remaining low. However, prices remained largely unchanged compared to the previous quarter, signaling a lack of improvement in the market dynamics.
By the end of the quarter, the market sentiment reflected persistent negativity, underscoring the difficulties faced by the helium sector in North America. This continued struggle suggests that without significant demand recovery, the market may remain under pressure moving forward.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region witnessed a notable decline in Helium prices, with India experiencing the most significant fluctuations. This downward trend was influenced by a combination of factors, including high supply levels from key producers such as Qatar and a decrease in import costs. The market became oversaturated as consistent production levels and reduced freight charges contributed to the surplus availability of Helium. Additionally, stable natural gas prices supported continuous production, further pressuring prices downward. Throughout the quarter, there were also disruptions in production due to plant shutdowns, which impacted supply dynamics. In India specifically, the pricing environment remained negative throughout the quarter, characterized by steadily decreasing prices. Seasonal trends and market dynamics played crucial roles in these fluctuations, showing a direct correlation between high supply levels and low demand. Despite these challenges, prices remained stable compared to the previous quarter, indicating no significant improvement; however, there was an increase of 8% in comparison to the same quarter last year. The quarter-ending price of USD 94740/MT for Helium Gas CFR JNPT in India reflected the overall decreasing trend in pricing, underscoring the challenges faced in the Helium market during this period.
MEA
In Q3 2024, the Helium pricing landscape in the MEA region experienced a notable decline influenced by several key factors. This downturn was primarily driven by oversupply and reduced procurement activities, which exerted downward pressure on prices. The decrease in demand, particularly from critical sectors such as healthcare and high-tech manufacturing, further contributed to the overall negative trend. Qatar, a significant player in the Helium market, experienced the most pronounced price fluctuations as it struggled with excess supply amid subdued market dynamics. Throughout the quarter, prices consistently decreased, registering a notable -3% change between the first and second halves of the period. Seasonal factors affecting demand in key importing nations further exacerbated the downward price trend, while geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties added additional challenges to the market. Despite these difficulties, prices remained stable compared to the previous quarter, indicating no significant improvement, while they did increase by 8.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As the quarter ended, Helium Gas prices reached USD 92,500/MT FOB Doha in Qatar, reflecting a predominantly negative pricing sentiment and underscoring the challenging conditions faced by the Helium market in the MEA region.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Helium pricing landscape in the European region faced a notable decline influenced by multiple factors. Oversupply and diminished procurement activities created substantial downward pressure on prices, particularly affecting key consuming sectors such as healthcare and high-tech manufacturing. The Netherlands experienced the most significant price fluctuations as it grappled with excess supply and lackluster market dynamics. Throughout the quarter, a consistent drop in prices was observed, particularly between the first and second halves. Seasonal influences further intensified the downward pricing trend. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties added to the adverse market conditions. Overall, tepid demand and sufficient inventories have prompted manufacturers to refrain from any price developments in the domestic market, resulting in persistently low operating rates. Furthermore, prices remained largely unchanged from the previous quarter, signaling a lack of improvement in market conditions. As the quarter concluded, the pricing sentiment continued to reflect a predominantly negative outlook for the helium market across Europe, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the region.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American region experienced mixed sentiments regarding helium pricing, with slight fluctuations influenced by various factors. In the USA, where the most significant price changes occurred, helium prices showed a steady rise in the first two months of the quarter, while in the last month, prices declined slightly.
In April and May, key factors influencing helium prices included supply disruptions, increased demand from various industries, and geopolitical tensions. Supply disruptions, particularly in the Red Sea region, created an imbalance between supply and demand, leading to higher prices. Growing demand from industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology further fueled the price increase. Geopolitical tensions added to market uncertainty, along with the sale of the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve, which raised global concerns about future supply stability, contributing to price fluctuations.
Overall, the pricing environment for helium in Q2 2024 can be described as positive, with prices showing a steady rise influenced by supply disruptions, increased demand, and geopolitical tensions.
APAC
In Q2 2024, helium pricing in the APAC region has experienced a notable upward trend, influenced by a confluence of market dynamics and external factors. A significant driver has been the persistent supply constraints stemming from geopolitical tensions and production disruptions. Notably, the shutdown of the Amur facility in Russia, coupled with inconsistent output from Gazprom's units, has strained global helium supply chains. Additionally, the ongoing sanctions and trade restrictions imposed by the EU have exacerbated these supply issues, creating a robust upward pressure on prices.
Focusing on India, the helium market has seen the most pronounced price changes in the region. The overall trend has been distinctly bullish, underpinned by both seasonal demand spikes and broader market sentiment. The summer season has traditionally driven higher helium consumption in various industrial applications, contributing to elevated procurement activity. This seasonal uptick, combined with cautious market optimism, has resulted in a steady rise in prices. Compared to the same quarter last year, the price increase has been substantial, reflecting the compounded effects of supply constraints and sustained demand.
Throughout Q2 2024, helium prices in India showed a consistent upward trajectory. The first half of the quarter witnessed gradual price increments, which intensified in the latter half due to intensified procurement activities and supply pressures. The quarter concluded on a high note, with helium gas prices reaching USD 9,210,000/MT Ex-Bengaluru. This pricing environment, driven by both external disruptions and intrinsic market demand, has been predominantly positive, reflecting the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the helium market in India and the broader APAC region.
Europe
In Q2 2024, Europe experienced mixed sentiments regarding helium pricing, with slight fluctuations influenced by various factors. In the Netherlands, where the most significant price changes occurred, helium prices showed a steady rise throughout the second quarter of 2024.
In April and May, key factors influencing helium prices included supply disruptions, increased demand from various industries, and geopolitical tensions. Supply disruptions, particularly in the Red Sea region, created an imbalance between supply and demand, leading to higher prices. Growing demand from industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology further fueled the price increase. During this period, MEA countries operated on reduced schedules, and the construction sector experienced stability.
Overall, the pricing environment for helium in Q2 2024 can be described as positive, with prices showing a steady rise influenced by supply disruptions, increased demand, and geopolitical tensions.
MEA
The second quarter of 2024 has been marked by a pronounced upward trajectory in helium prices within the MEA region, driven by a confluence of key factors. A critical driver has been the ongoing geopolitical tensions, coupled with the strategic acquisition of essential helium reserves, which have collectively exacerbated supply constraints. The sale of the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve to the industrial gas company Messer, for instance, has created substantial market ripples, leading to heightened procurement costs as entities scramble to secure their helium supplies. Furthermore, industry-wide disruptions, including the performance challenges at the Amur facility in Russia and supply chain interruptions due to new EU sanctions, have further strained global helium availability.
In this context, Qatar has emerged as a focal point of significant price volatility, witnessing the most marked adjustments across the region. The overall trend in Qatar reflects a robust increase in helium prices, influenced by seasonal procurement activities and heightened summer demand. This uptrend correlates with a consistent escalation in global demand and tight supply scenarios. The quarter saw a notable 1% price increase from the previous quarter, underscoring the persistent bullish market sentiment. The first half of the quarter experienced a stable price environment, which subsequently surged by 1% in the latter half, driven by intensified market activities.
Concluding the quarter, the helium price in Qatar reached USD 94,000/MT FOB Doha, cementing a positive pricing environment propelled by complex interplay of supply-side constraints and robust demand dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The North America region witnessed mixed sentiments for helium pricing in Q1 2024, with slight fluctuations influenced by various factors. In the USA, which experienced the most significant price changes, helium prices showed a steady rise in the first two months of the quarter, while in the last month, prices declined slightly.
In January and February, the key factors influencing helium prices were supply disruptions, increased demand from various industries, and geopolitical tensions. Supply disruptions, particularly in the Red Sea region, created an imbalance between supply and demand, leading to higher prices. The growing demand from industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology further fueled the price increase. Geopolitical tensions added to the uncertainty in the market, along with the sale of the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve, which raised concerns globally about future supply stability, contributing to price fluctuations. However, in March, helium prices declined by 1% after a steady rise over the last year due to the discovery of helium concentrations up to 13.8% by Pulsar Helium in Minnesota's Jetstream.
Overall, the pricing environment for helium in Q1 2024 can be described as positive, with prices showing a steady rise influenced by supply disruptions, increased demand, and geopolitical tensions.
APAC
The APAC region experienced mixed sentiments for helium pricing in Q1 2024, with slight fluctuations influenced by various factors. In India, which witnessed the most significant price changes, helium prices showed a steady rise in the first two months of the quarter, while in the last month, prices declined slightly.
In January and February, key factors influencing helium prices included supply disruptions, increased demand from various industries, and geopolitical tensions. Supply disruptions, particularly in the Red Sea region, created an imbalance between supply and demand, leading to higher prices. The growing demand from industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology further fueled the price increase. Geopolitical tensions added to the market's uncertainty, along with the sale of the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve, which globally raised concerns about future supply stability, contributing to price fluctuations. However, in March, helium prices declined by 1% after a steady rise over the past year due to the discovery of helium concentrations up to 13.8% by Pulsar Helium in Minnesota's Jetstream, largely influenced by Ramadan in the Middle East as India imports helium from Qatar. During this period, countries in the MEA operated on reduced schedules, and the construction sector experienced stability.
Finally, the quarter-ending price for helium gas in India was recorded at INR 7870000/MT CFR JNPT. Overall, the pricing environment for helium in Q1 2024 can be described as positive, with prices showing a steady rise influenced by supply disruptions, increased demand, and geopolitical tensions.
MEA
The MEA region experienced a mixed quarter for helium pricing in Q1 2024, with slight fluctuations influenced by various factors. In Qatar, which witnessed the most significant price changes, helium prices showed a steady rise in the first two months of the quarter, while in the last month, prices declined slightly.
In January and February, the helium market in Qatar encountered a positive pricing environment, with prices displaying a moderate increase. Several factors contributed to this upward trend. Firstly, there was a growing demand for helium across various industries, including scientific research, medical technology, manufacturing, and space exploration. This surge in demand raised concerns about potential supply shortages, particularly with the recent sale of the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve. However, in March, helium prices declined by 1% after a steady rise over the past year due to the discovery of helium concentrations up to 13.8% by Pulsar Helium in Minnesota's Jetstream. This decline was largely influenced by Ramadan in the Middle East. During this period, countries in the MEA operated on reduced schedules, and the construction sector experienced stability.
Finally, the quarter-ending price for helium gas in Qatar was recorded at USD 92000/MT, FOB Doha. Overall, the pricing environment for helium in Q1 2024 could be described as positive, with prices showing a steady rise influenced by supply disruptions, increased demand, and geopolitical tensions.
Europe
Europe witnessed mixed sentiments for helium pricing in Q1 2024, with slight fluctuations influenced by various factors. In the Netherlands, which experienced the most significant price changes, helium prices showed a steady rise in the first two months of the quarter, while in the last month, prices declined slightly.
In January and February, the key factors influencing helium prices were supply disruptions, increased demand from various industries, and geopolitical tensions. Supply disruptions, particularly in the Red Sea region, created an imbalance between supply and demand, leading to higher prices. The growing demand from industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology further fueled the price increase. Geopolitical tensions added to the uncertainty in the market, along with the sale of the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve, which raised concerns globally about future supply stability, contributing to price fluctuations. However, in March, helium prices declined by 1% after a steady rise over the last year due to the discovery of helium concentrations up to 13.8% by Pulsar Helium in Minnesota's Jetstream and largely influenced by Ramadan in the Middle East as Europe imports helium from the Middle East. During this period, countries in the MEA operated on reduced schedules, and the construction sector experienced stability.
Overall, the pricing environment for helium in Q1 2024 can be described as positive, with prices showing a steady rise influenced by supply disruptions, increased demand, and geopolitical tensions.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
APAC
The APAC region's helium market has witnessed several significant factors influencing prices in the fourth quarter of 2023. Firstly, there has been moderate demand from industries such as healthcare and aerospace, particularly for MRI machines and spacecraft. This demand, along with increased natural gas prices, has contributed to an overall bullish market situation. Secondly, the supply of helium faced challenges due to reliance on imports from countries like Qatar and the United States. Limited supply availability and rising natural gas costs have further pushed up prices. Lastly, fluctuating currency exchange rates, with the INR depreciating by 0.45% against the USD, have impacted the pricing trend for helium in the APAC region.
In India, which has experienced the most significant price changes in the region, the market has seen a continuous uptrend in helium prices. Fluctuating natural gas prices, coupled with extraction and transportation costs, have added pressure to helium suppliers and buyers. High demand for cryogenic equipment in Indian research institutes, driven by progress in the aerospace industry, and growing annual demand in the automobile sector have contributed to these trends. Additionally, the manufacturing sector has shown positive signs, with the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rising from 55.5 in October to 56 in November. Overall, the Indian helium market has remained stable with moderate supply and high demand. The quarter-ending price of helium gas in India was USD 94836/MT CFR JNPT.
MEA
In the MEA region, the fourth quarter of 2023 for helium was characterized by various factors influencing the market and prices. Firstly, there was a tight supply of helium in the international market, particularly in the healthcare sector, creating a supply-demand imbalance and leading to an increase in prices. Secondly, rising natural gas prices had a proportional effect on helium prices as it is extracted as a byproduct of natural gas. The cost pressures on suppliers and buyers increased due to the extraction and transportation of natural gas. Lastly, the sustained and robust demand for helium from the healthcare sector and global markets played a significant role in shaping the overall dynamics of the helium market in the region. In Qatar, the leading country in the MEA region, helium prices experienced a slight increase in the fourth quarter of 2023. This rise can be attributed to the rising natural gas prices and persistent demand from the Asian market, particularly countries like China, India, and Taiwan. The consistent growth in demand and extraction costs influenced the price levels. Qatar has also secured agreements to supply natural gas to international partners, further impacting the prices. The latest price of Helium Gas FOB Doha in Qatar for the quarter ending december 2023 is USD 92000/MT. Overall, the MEA region witnessed a bullish market situation with moderate supply and moderate to high demand for helium. The tight supply and robust demand from various sectors, especially healthcare, contributed to the price increase in Qatar. The price of Helium Gas in Qatar for the current quarter saw a 5% increase compared to the previous quarter of 2023. Additionally, there was a 2% price increase in the second half of the quarter compared to the first half. However, the price remained unchanged compared to the same quarter last year. The market dynamics and pricing trends were primarily driven by the supply-demand balance and the fluctuations in natural gas prices.
Europe
In Q4 2023, helium gas prices in Europe continued their upward trajectory, reaching new highs, posing challenges for industries reliant on helium, including healthcare, research, and entertainment. Prices for bulk helium averaged around €120 per cubic meter across Europe, marking a 30-40% increase compared to Q3 2023, with localized prices even exceeding these averages. Global supply shortages due to limited reserves and disruptions in major producing countries played a significant role, exacerbated by rising transportation costs. Despite high prices, demand remained relatively stable, especially in healthcare applications like MRI scans, where helium is irreplaceable. Regional variations in helium prices within Europe were influenced by transportation costs, local supply and demand dynamics, and currency fluctuations. Industries faced significant impacts, including increased costs for essential healthcare services, budget constraints for scientific research, and squeezed profit margins in the entertainment industry. The overall market dynamics were driven by supply shortages, rising transportation costs, and speculative buying triggered by concerns about future supply shortages.
