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This table presents detailed data on the volume, value, and unit price of helium exported from the United States to various global regions and specific countries for the years 2022 and 2023. Tracking helium exports is economically and industrially significant because helium is a critical resource used in medical imaging, scientific research, electronics manufacturing, and aerospace applications. Understanding export patterns helps gauge international demand, informs supply chain decisions, and supports policy-making related to resource management and trade.
Analysis of the data reveals that total U.S. helium exports increased slightly from 32.4 million cubic meters in 2022 to 33.2 million cubic meters in 2023, while the overall export value rose substantially from $358 million to $453 million. This increase in value was driven by a rise in the average unit value from $11.04 to $13.65 per cubic meter. Asia remained a key market, with exports to South Korea growing from 4 million cubic meters valued at $50.9 million in 2022 to 4 million cubic meters worth $70.8 million in 2023, reflecting a notable increase in unit price from $12.53 to $18.53. Similarly, Taiwan saw its export value nearly double to $63.2 million despite stable volume, indicating higher prices. Europe’s total export volume remained steady at 10 million cubic meters, but value edged up slightly to $117 million, with Belgium leading at 7 million cubic meters and $82.2 million in value. North America’s helium imports from the U.S. increased from 7 to 8 million cubic meters, with Mexico showing a significant volume rise from 2 to 3 million cubic meters and a value increase from $21.2 million to $38.2 million. South America also experienced growth, with exports rising from 3 to 3 million cubic meters and value increasing from $31.7 million to $45.6 million, driven largely by Brazil. Overall, these trends highlight growing global demand and rising prices for helium in key markets.
| TABLE 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. EXPORTS OF HELIUM, BY REGION AND DESTINATION1 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Million cubic meters, thousand dollars, and dollars per cubic meter) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Destination | Quantity | Value2 | Unit value | Quantity | Value2 | Unit value | ||||||||||
| Africa and the Middle East | (3) | 2670 | 14.3 | 1 | 7360 | 11.26 | ||||||||||
| Asia: | ||||||||||||||||
| China4 | 3 | 33000 | r | 12.51 | r | 2 | 35700 | 18.53 | ||||||||
| Japan | 2 | 41800 | 17.09 | 2 | 39400 | 17.46 | ||||||||||
| Korea, Republic of | 4 | 50900 | 12.53 | 4 | 70800 | 18.53 | ||||||||||
| Taiwan | 3 | 35900 | 14.1 | 3 | 63200 | 18.85 | ||||||||||
| Other | (3) | 1070 | r | 12.03 | r | (3) | 658 | 14.96 | ||||||||
| Total | 12 | 163000 | 13.81 | 11 | 210000 | 18.39 | ||||||||||
| Europe: | ||||||||||||||||
| Belgium | 5 | 65100 | 12.09 | 7 | 82200 | 11.56 | ||||||||||
| Germany | 2 | 20200 | 8.91 | 1 | 16300 | 12.78 | ||||||||||
| Ireland | 1 | 12900 | 19.31 | 1 | 3980 | 5.79 | ||||||||||
| Netherlands | 1 | 2830 | 4.37 | (3) | 194 | 4.72 | ||||||||||
| United Kingdom | 1 | 5300 | 9.25 | 1 | 10000 | 12.73 | ||||||||||
| Other | 1 | 6230 | 10.16 | (3) | 4590 | 17.33 | ||||||||||
| Total | 10 | 113000 | 11.09 | 10 | 117000 | 11.53 | ||||||||||
| North America: | ||||||||||||||||
| Canada | 3 | 21700 | 7.98 | 4 | 27300 | 6.33 | ||||||||||
| Costa Rica | 1 | 789 | r | 1.26 | r | (3) | 902 | 4.18 | ||||||||
| Mexico | 2 | r | 21200 | r | 11.44 | r | 3 | 38200 | 14.97 | |||||||
| Other | 2 | 4500 | 2.26 | r | 1 | 5820 | 5.9 | |||||||||
| Total | 7 | 48200 | r | 6.98 | r | 8 | 72200 | 8.95 | ||||||||
| Oceania, Australia | (3) | 386 | 4.33 | (3) | 569 | 5.08 | ||||||||||
| South America: | ||||||||||||||||
| Brazil | 2 | 19200 | 11.49 | 2 | 29700 | 18.18 | ||||||||||
| Chile | 1 | 4120 | 7.51 | (3) | 6260 | 13.75 | ||||||||||
| Other | 1 | 8350 | 7.61 | 1 | 9660 | 14.1 | ||||||||||
| Total | 3 | 31700 | 9.55 | 3 | 45600 | 16.44 | ||||||||||
| Grand total | 32.4 | r | 358000 | 11.04 | 33.2 | 453000 | 13.65 | |||||||||
rRevised.
1Table includes data available through September 23, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits, except “Unit value”. Data may not add to totals shown.
2Free alongside ship value of material at U.S. port of export. Based on transaction price; includes all charges incurred in placing material alongside ship.
3Less than ½ unit.
4Includes Hong Kong.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Helium statistics | Mineral commodity prices