2024-10-27 23:01:00
In the last month, helium produced in Russia has also been subject to European sanctions. The measure shocked the market, even before it came into force on September 26.
THE Russia it is the world’s third largest producer, but only the fourth largest exporter of helium. In Europe, the share of Russian imports represents only a small percentage – the three big suppliers are Qatar, Algeria and the United States – but the very idea of being deprived of Russian gas starting at the end of September has pushed European countries, especially Germany, to create shares.
« In the last three months, European imports have quadrupled », explains Nicolas Pelissier, president of the French start-up 45-8 Energy. Since helium cannot be stored for a long time, due to its volatility, this has temporarily reduced European gas purchases and therefore prices.
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Dumping Russian in Asia
In Asia, the dumping Russian has been practicing it ever since the announcement of new sanctions it also brought its share of consequences. The marketing of Russian gas, at prices sometimes 30% lower than European ones – variable prices depending on the packaging – has reduced prices in China: the country now buys much more from Russia and less from Qatar because, in addition to having Attractive prices, the Middle Kingdom benefits from the proximity of Russian production in Eastern Siberia, a production set to increase in power the development of the Amur project.
Qatar, which has lost market share in Asia, will have to look for new contracts elsewhere. But the emirate, which transported its helium through the Suez Canal, now faces logistical challenges that could explode the environmental cost of its exports.
European prices return to high levels
The sanctions against Russian helium have therefore disrupted trade and influenced the dynamics observed in recent years on the world market, namely that of a continuous increase in prices driven by a peak increase in demand in the electronics sector – more than a quarter of helium uses are now dedicated to this sector.
Today prices have certainly dropped Chinesebut they have stabilized again at a very high level in Europe,” an economically acceptable level for everyone, consumers and producers », estimates the president of the French start-up, knowing that for producers a high price is an essential driver for the development of new projects and new recycling capacities.
Read alsoHelium: first step towards diversifying the offer in Western Europe
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