China announced and implemented a temporary ban on helium exports on 10 July. As global supply and demand become even tighter, an article ranking the share-price movements of industrial-gas-related stocks, including Japanese companies, is attracting attention.
Centered on China's announcement and implementation of a temporary ban on helium exports, this article explains a four-tier system for assessing the volatility of rare-gas and industrial-gas-related stocks. China relies on imports for more than 80% of its consumption, and a complete ban is considered likely to affect supply and demand.
The issue began with tensions in the Middle East at the end of February. A key facility in Qatar was attacked and shut down in March, and in September it was reported that repairs to the liquefaction facility were expected to take 3 years. Spot helium prices surged to approximately twice their pre-crisis level, while Japan faces the challenge of diversifying its import sources. Japan's largest domestic supplier, 日本酸素, announced price increases, while 岩谷産業 indicated improved helium profitability in its results, prompting a response in its share price.
The article covers 20 TSE-listed stocks and ranks them in 4 volatility tiers based on market capitalization, trading depth, and the gap between their 2026 highs and lows. It then explains the stocks in order, from large-cap favourites to low-priced stocks.