The Impact of Conflict on the Global Helium Shortage

The end of the Federal Helium Program and exit of the United States Government as the major producer of helium has been anticipated for over two decades. The transition to full privatization of the sector has led to changes in production and sourcing both domestically and abroad. Since the 2017 executive briefing on helium, several events have sent shocks through the global helium market—which is key to the fields of medicine, science, and defense. The most recent event, the 2022 shortage, is a combination of preexisting market conditions and stress from the Russia-Ukraine War. This executive briefing on trade will provide an update on the helium market, highlight progress on U.S. privatization of helium and the effects of the war as well as a discuss of shortages (past and present).