Changzhou Jiayuan Chemical Rare Gas Monthly Review: June 2026 Rare Gas Market Review and July Outlook

In June, the China rare gas market generally showed a mixed correction trend. Helium prices fell sharply due to changes in supply conditions, while xenon and neon continued their downward trends. Krypton prices temporarily stabilized. Overall market activity remained subdued, with downstream buyers maintaining a cautious, wait-and-see attitude.

Helium Market: Improved Supply Drives Sharp Price Decline, with Further Downward Pressure Expected

The helium (He / 7440-59-7) market experienced a volatile adjustment throughout June, moving from a rapid price decline to a brief stabilization before weakening again.

At the beginning of the month, as additional European helium supplies entered the Chinese market, the previously tight supply situation eased significantly. Downstream purchasing enthusiasm weakened accordingly, placing downward pressure on high-purity bottled helium prices. According to market data, the average monthly price of bulk high-purity bottled helium (40 L, 13.5 ± 0.5 MPa) in China declined by 40.3% month-on-month. The most significant price decreases occurred during the first and middle parts of the month, while prices gradually stabilized toward the end of June. By month-end, transaction prices in the bottled helium market had shifted noticeably lower. Shipments in East China and Southwest China remained slow, and distributors generally purchased products at relatively low price levels.

The tube trailer helium market also performed weakly for both imported and domestic supplies. The arrival of the first batch of Russian helium at the end of May directly triggered a sharp price decline in early June. In mid-June, delayed follow-up shipments temporarily supported a modest market rebound. However, after another batch of Russian helium was confirmed for import at the end of the month, prices weakened again. Statistics show that the average monthly price of imported high-purity tube trailer helium fell by 49.5% month-on-month, while domestically produced high-purity tube trailer helium declined by 51.2%. At present, ex-factory prices in Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi have fallen to relatively low levels. Market trading remains sluggish, with most downstream companies postponing purchases and maintaining a strong wait-and-see sentiment.

Looking ahead to July, the helium market is expected to remain weak with continued fluctuations. A new batch of Russian helium is scheduled to arrive at the beginning of the month, increasing short-term supply pressure and potentially triggering another rapid price decline. Although higher import costs may limit the extent of further declines, whether prices can stabilize and rebound in the middle and later parts of July will depend on the progress of Russian export license approvals and the arrival schedule of subsequent shipments. Overall, the average monthly price of tube trailer helium is expected to continue declining, while bulk purchasing prices for bottled helium are also likely to undergo a noticeable downward adjustment.

Xenon Market: Oversupply Persists as Average Prices Continue to Decline

The xenon (Xe / 6440-63-3) market remained weak in June, with the average monthly price falling by 9.1% compared with the previous month. Major producers continued to face high inventory pressure, while downstream demand showed little improvement. The imbalance between supply and demand remained evident, causing transaction prices to move steadily lower, with some deals concluded at relatively low price levels.

Looking ahead to July, weak downstream purchasing interest and the absence of positive market drivers are expected to keep xenon prices under pressure. The mainstream average transaction price is likely to decline further.

Krypton Market: Short-Term Stability, but Downward Pressure Remains

The average monthly price of krypton (Kr / 7439-90-9) remained unchanged from the previous month, although actual transaction prices softened. End users continued to purchase only according to demand and remained cautious. To secure orders, producers and distributors generally adopted more competitive pricing strategies.

In July, as market sentiment continues to weaken, krypton prices are expected to resume their downward trend. The average monthly price is likely to fall below June levels, with the mainstream negotiated price range moving lower.

Neon Market: Ample Inventory Keeps Prices Soft but Stable

The average monthly price of neon (Ne / 7440-01-9) declined by 8.1% month-on-month. Inventory across distribution channels remained sufficient, while trading activity was relatively limited. Prices fluctuated within a narrow range near production costs.

In the short term, the market lacks strong driving factors. Therefore, the average monthly price of neon is expected to remain generally stable in July, with suppliers continuing to offer products at prices close to cost and only limited fluctuations anticipated.

Overall Market Outlook

Overall, the China rare gas market remained under pressure in June due to the combined impact of changing supply conditions and weak downstream demand, resulting in lower prices for most rare gases. In July, except for neon, the helium, xenon and krypton markets are all expected to face further adjustment risks. Market participants should closely monitor the arrival schedule of European helium supplies, as well as changes in downstream purchasing sentiment, which will remain key factors influencing short-term rare gas market trends.