Ultra-High Purity Helium (99.9999%) — EUV-Grade He Supply Crunch Worsens, 6N Contracts Surge 7–9×; Domestic Extraction Accelerates

THeultra-high purity helium market has entered an unprecedented crisis in 2026, with prices for 6N (99.9999%) electronic grade and EUV-grade material experiencing explosive growth due to supply-side destruction followed by severe transmission bottlenecks. The crisis began with the destruction of Qatar's Ras Laffan facilities—responsible for approximately one‑third of global heliumoutput—followed by Russia's anNOuncement of a temporaryhelium export license system extending through the end of 2027. Global semiconductors use 6N grade for plasma etching processes, while extreme ultraviolet lithography requires the highest purity levels to ensure stable EUV source operation.

The impact on long‑term contract pricing has been dramatic. Industrial-grade (5N, 99.999%) helium spot prices have surged from 60–80 RMB per cubic meter in 2025 to 170–185 RMB per cubic meter in April 2026—an approximately 2–3× increase. However, the semiconductor-focused 6N electronic grade segment has experienced even more extreme movements, with 2026 long‑term contracts climbing from 300–400 RMB per cubic meter to 2,600–2,800 RMB per cubic meter, representing a 7–9× increase, while EUV-grade helium—the highest purity tier used for cooling optics in next‑generation chipmaking—has risen from 500–700 RMB to 2,800–3,000 RMB per cubic meter, representing a 4–6× increase. As of June 1, 2026, Shanghai distributor acquisition prices for ultra-high purity helium are reported at 200–240 RMB per cubic meter, while 40‑liter bottled high‑purity material trades at 1,500–1,800 RMB per bottle.

The Chinese ultra‑high purity helium industry has accelerated its response. Since late February 2026, domestic tube‑trailer high‑purity helium prices have risen from approximately 76 RMB to 153 RMB per cubic meter—a 131.82% increase, though still below imported material prices. Domestic helium extraction technology breakthroughs and capacity expansion are positioned to become critical factors in alleviating supply pressure. Laser‑based analytical mass spectroscopy now achieves measurement accuracy down to parts‑per‑billion levels for helium‑4 isotope analysis, enabling accelerated domestic certification for semiconductor‑grade material. With Middle East tensions persisting and overseas facility recovery projected to take 3–5 years, Chinese ultra‑high purity helium production capacity is poised to benefit from accelerated domestic substitution policies.

For procurement professionals searching for "6N ultra‑high purity helium price per cubic meter", "EUV semiconductor cooling gas supplier", or "MRI liquid helium refrigerant purity grades", the market outlook calls for long‑term supply agreements with qualified suppliers. Chengdu Hongjin Chemical Co., Ltd. offers ultra‑high purity helium in 5N, 6N, and EUV grades, with advanced analytical certification and competitive pricing.

Sources: IT Times, April 22, 2026; Financial World, April 22, 2026; Mysteel, June 1, 2026; Aigupiao Research, April 2026; ijia.city, May 2026