FT: Chinese Helium Ban Threatens Supplies to Europe
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Helium is again featured in mainstream press with the risks of shortages in Europe being highlighted. AKAP Energy’s data was featured in the UK Financial Times (FT) for its estimates showing China’s level of re-exports of helium to Europe. China was re-exporting about 16% of its helium imports on average between Mar-May'26, after Chinese re-exports to Europe had risen over the previous 18 months; the EU had banned direct Russian helium imports in 2024. We would add that there tends to be a reporting lag of around one month and there were high level of re-exports in Mar-Apr indicating strong re-exports in Feb-Mar which fell in May (thereby slightly weaker exports in Apr); we believe this is set to drop further in the coming months given the export ban.