Data shows that China imported 284 tonnes of helium in April 2026, down 13.6% year-on-year and 50.3% month-on-month, while exports continued to grow.During the first four months of the year, China’s total helium exports reached 254 tonnes, representing an 83.6% increase from the same period last year. Amid shifts in the global supply landscape, Russia has become China’s largest source of imported helium.

Imports Decline While Exports Continue to Expand

According to industry statistics, China imported 284 tonnes of helium in April 2026, a decrease of 13.6% compared with the same month last year and 50.3% lower than the previous month. The average import price stood at RMB 483 per kilogram, down 24% year-on-year but up 7.3% from March. Cumulative data shows that China imported a total of 1,785 tonnes of helium between January and April 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.7%. Although overall imports remained higher than the previous year, recent volumes have declined noticeably amid changes in the international supply environment. Meanwhile, China’s helium exports continued to grow at a strong pace. Total exports reached 254 tonnes during the first four months of 2026, up 83.6% year-on-year, indicating increased trading activity in the domestic helium market.

Import Sources Shift as Russia Strengthens Its Position

Data indicates that China’s helium imports in April 2026 primarily originated from Russia and Qatar. Russia accounted for 67% of total imports during the month, while Qatar contributed 22%. Imports from Russia reached 190 tonnes, allowing the country to maintain its position as China’s largest helium supplier. Affected by geopolitical developments and evolving supply chain dynamics, China’s helium imports from Qatar have declined significantly. Qatar previously accounted for a substantial share of China’s helium imports, but its market share has recently fallen from around 60% to approximately 20%. Market participants expect import volumes from Qatar may continue to decrease in the coming months. Against this backdrop, Russia’s share of China’s helium imports has continued to rise. Russian supplies now account for more than 65% of China’s total helium imports and have exceeded imports from Qatar for six consecutive months, making Russia the country’s most important helium supply source.

Growing China–Russia Cooperation Supports Strategic Industries

In May this year, China and Russia signed a series of cooperation agreements covering industrial goods trade, scientific and technological collaboration, and broader economic and trade cooperation. Under the new arrangements, both countries will promote a priority trade mechanism for key industrial products and strengthen cooperation in areas such as customs facilitation, long-term supply agreements, and supply security. Industry observers believe these measures could improve the stability of critical industrial raw material supplies and provide stronger support for sectors including semiconductors, nuclear fusion research, and advanced medical equipment.

Global Supply Realignment Continues to Reshape the Market

In recent years, the global helium market has been increasingly affected by geopolitical developments, changes in energy industry supply chains, and the high concentration of global production capacity. As some traditional supply sources experience disruptions, major consuming markets are actively optimizing procurement strategies and enhancing supply chain resilience. Industry experts note that China’s helium import structure is undergoing significant changes as the global helium supply system continues to evolve. As international supply patterns shift and long-term cooperation mechanisms are gradually implemented, China’s helium supply network is expected to become increasingly diversified and resilient in the years ahead.