Monthly Review of Rare Gases:Helium market performance is still generally stable (December 2024)
1. Market Analysis
The helium market price dropped in December. According to statistics, as of December 31, the average monthly price of high-purity helium in bulk bottles (40L, 13.5± 0.5Mpa) was -0.1% month-on-month and -33.8% year-on-year. The overall price of bottled helium dropped in December, and the overall market trading atmosphere was still good, but some high-priced sources were difficult to ship, and the overall profit of bottled helium declined. At present, the transaction center of bulk middlemen of bottled helium has shifted downward. The market trading atmosphere in the East China region is relatively light, and it is difficult to ship high-priced sources. The price fluctuations in the southwest region are relatively slow.
According to estimates, the market price of high-purity helium in tubes remained stable in December. As of December 31, the average monthly price of high-purity helium in tubes was flat month-on-month and -24.0% year-on-year. Market shipments were relatively stable, and with little room for price decline, the main enterprises maintained stability. The high-purity helium market in Inner Mongolia was affected by the inverted upstream LNG cost, resulting in a reduction in production, and the overall supply was tight. Domestic helium shipments were generally smooth, and most of the main enterprises had no shipping pressure. The overall mainstream market in December was mainly stable.
In December, the average monthly price of xenon gas remained stable, with a month-on-month flat and a year-on-year decrease of 36.7%. Currently, the market supply of xenon gas is relatively abundant, and the downstream demand is difficult to increase, so the price is relatively weak and stable.
The market price of krypton gas dropped in December. As of December 31, the average monthly ex-factory price of mainstream krypton gas dropped by -7% month-on-month and -41.3% year-on-year. In December, there was basically no new purchase by the main terminals in the market, and the channel inventory was too much, resulting in a weak market trading atmosphere.
2. Outlook for the future
In January 2025, the price of helium in China's market will remain stable. It is estimated that the average monthly price of bulk middlemen for China's controlled helium in January will be stable . In terms of supply, the import supply in January may be relatively reduced due to the Spring Festival, but the overall reduction may be limited. In terms of demand, the downstream operating rate may be significantly reduced before and after the Spring Festival, and the downstream demand support is limited. The editor believes that the Chinese helium market may show a weak supply and demand situation in January. Under the condition that the leading enterprises are more stable and there is no obvious fluctuation in supply and demand, the price will remain stable.
Xenon market prices are expected to fall in January. It is predicted that the average monthly price of mainstream xenon market enterprises in China will be adjusted in January. With weak demand at the end of the year, the market is expected to fall slightly.
The price of krypton gas in China is expected to continue to decline in January. It is predicted that the average monthly price of krypton gas in China will decline in January . In the short term, with sufficient market supply, there is still room for price reduction.
The neon market price is expected to remain stable in January. It is predicted that the average price of neon gas in China will remain stable in January . In the short term, the market demand is flat and the price may remain stable at a low price with a weak adjustment.