Nov 17, 20221 min
South Korea has seen a significant increase in import volumes in Oct'22. The monthly import quantity was 49.5 mmcf, which is very close the levels in May'22 (52 mmcf). We know that May imports were already compensating for the depressed volumes in the preceding months due to the Ukraine war. Even after considering that, Oct volumes are the second highest this year, accounting for a 23% m/m increase, however on a y/y YTD basis, it is still flat. October saw record 2022 imports from the US, reflecting the resumption of the BLM in H2'22. Pricing has also been ticking up steadily through the year.
With increased activity picking up in the semiconductor industry globally, and South Korea being one of the semis-hub we will be tracking the country's imports closely to see if demand pick up further. The chart below illustrates the import trends over the last 2 years.
South Korean helium imports by exporter and average helium price