An update from the air separation industry, 20160816: Imports of helium reach a new high (July 2016)

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Helium imports reached a new high (July 2016). The helium market performed moderately in July; demand did not show significant growth due to various external constraints. The main importing companies preferred to sell at low prices, and intermediaries were not very active in purchasing helium. In June, the total import volume of helium reached a record high, at 306.5 tons, representing a 12.4% increase on a month-on-month basis and a 34.1% increase on a year-on-year basis ； The average import price was 46.7 US dollars per kilogram, a decrease of 0.43% on a month-on-month basis. Import volumes have increased significantly, putting greater pressure on the market; moreover, the average import price is on a continuous decline, and the price of helium in the market is also falling. The purchase price for 40L bottles of high-purity helium from intermediaries remains stable at 350–400 yuan per bottle ； The price of high-purity helium in tubes is around 60 yuan per cubic meter, with deals usually being made at lower prices. In July, the prevailing transaction price for krypton in the market remained around 700 yuan per cubic meter. Market activity was moderate, inventory levels among distributors were high, and there were no signs of improvement in the short term. The neon market remained **stable in July; as of the end of the month, the prevailing transaction price in the market was around 350–400 yuan per cubic meter. The market had an ample supply of goods, and no changes were expected in the short term. It is difficult to reduce imports in the helium market, and demand provides limited support; therefore, the market will remain in a state of supply-demand imbalance in the short term, with prices staying stable at low levels. Demand in the downstream sectors of the krypton market is relatively weak, failing to provide support for the market; in the short term, krypton prices are likely to remain stable at low levels. The oversupply situation in the neon gas market persists, with an ample supply available. In the short term, without any significant positive factors to support it, an increase in prices is unlikely.