From its usage in welding and cutting, fibre optics, electronics, aerospace and leak-testing applications, to its publicly recognisable role in balloon inflation, helium is a global commodity delivered through a complex supply chain.
Worldwide helium market demand in 2017 is about 6.0 billion cubic feet (Bcf). This figure represents growth of about 200 million cubic feet (MMcf) from 2014, when the critical shortage of 2011 to 2013 ended, primarily because the very large Qatar 2 supply was brought on-stream. Worldwide helium supply in 2017 is also about 6.0 Bcf, bringing supply and demand in balance.
So, what is currently driving trends in the helium market at the moment and what are the areas of major growth?
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