Ballooning opportunity for US helium producers as supply squeeze tightens

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The US has designated helium a critical material as overseas disruptions draw down reserves and buyers look for supply closer ... Read More The post Ballooning opportunity for US…

The US has designated helium a critical material and spot prices are inflating as global disruptions force buyers to find fresh, reliable supply. Pic: Getty Images

Despite being the second-most abundant element in the observable universe, helium is relatively rare on Earth, created as radioactive elements like uranium decay into more stable isotopes.

A colourless, odourless gas under most conditions, helium is lighter than air and reacts with very little, making it an incredibly important element for space exploration, national defence, scientific research, medical technology, high-tech manufacturing and energy programs.

The noble gas is a non-renewable resource that’s used for everything from manufacturing semiconductors and fibre optics to cooling superpowered magnets in MRIs and advanced weapons development.

It’s produced predominantly as a byproduct of natural gas extraction, with supply strongly concentrated in just a few places – the US and Qatar together accounted for more than 75% of all production in 2025.

That supply was deeply impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz this year, and even further when Qatar’s major gas processing complex at Ras Laffan was badly damaged in the conflict.

Historically producing about a third of the world’s helium, officials say Ras Laffan won’t be fully operational for at least three more years.

Although the helium market tends to consist of confidential, long-term contracts (making it particularly difficult to get a reading on), industry consultant Rich Brooke told CBS spot prices for helium had tripled in 2026.

Compounding the issue, China has temporarily banned helium exports altogether, and both the US and European Union have restricted imports from Russia – the third largest producer globally – due to economic sanctions.

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