Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Noble & Elemental Gases
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Noble & Elemental Gases Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Under standard conditions for temperature and pressure, noble gases, which are also referred to as rare or atmospheric gases, are colorless and odorless with low chemical reactivity. A number of industrial processes require noble and elemental gases, including cryogenics, welding, lighting and process controls. Typical buyers in this market include healthcare providers, electronics manufacturers, and construction companies. Noble and elemental gases are available through manufacturers and wholesalers.
This Report Includes:
- Noble (radon, neon, argon, krypton, xenon and helium) Gases
- Pure and Elemental (hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and bromine) Gases
Not in this Report:
- Ammonia Gas
- Industrial Air
- Chlorinated Mixed Gases
- Carbon Dioxide
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Global Noble & Elemental Gases Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Noble & Elemental Gases market.
Warning Trends
Tariffs to negatively impact chemicals industry
- The Trump Administration’s reciprocal tariffs, which apply general tariff rate increases to most leading US trade partners in August, and raised tariffs on specific chemicals like branded and patented pharmaceutical products to 100.0% in October. These changes will significantly increase the tariff rate on leading chemical exporting countries, including the European Union (15.0%), Canada (35.0%), China (54.0%), Singapore (10.0%), and India (25.0%).
- Certain chemicals, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, phenols, ethylene, and titanium dioxide, are exempt from tariffs. However, according to Chemical Processing Magazine, tariffs, in general, are expected to add 2.0% to 5.0% to overall expenses for US chemical producers due to higher steel and equipment costs, as well as rising supply chain risk.
- China is a major supplier of chemicals to the United States, estimated to account for around 11.0% of total imports, according to the US Chamber of Commerce. Most of these imports are intermediate products used as inputs in domestic chemical production, meaning the tariffs will still impact chemical suppliers with US manufacturing operations.
- According to the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA), the higher US tariff rate on imports of chemicals will disrupt supply chains and raise operating costs for domestic chemical manufacturers. Increased input costs are typically passed on to buyers in the form of higher prices.
- The United States is the most important export market for Germany’s chemical industry, and major suppliers like BASF are expected to be negatively impacted by the 15.0% tariff on the European Union member countries. However, chemicals covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement, meaning those produced wholly in Mexico or Canada, will be exempt from tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, providing some relief for the highly integrated North American chemicals trade.
Global Noble & Elemental Gases Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1 China | 3,685 |
| #2 Europe | 2,310 |
| #3 India | 1,900 |
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Geography Drilldown - US & Europe
Average Cost of Noble & Elemental Gases
United States
2026 Market Pricing$0.10 to $XXX.XX
per cubic footEurope
Average Price
Prices in the Noble & Elemental Gases market range from $0.10 to $XXX.XX, depending on Type of Gas, Feedstock, Supply mode and Volume. For example, lower prices are associated with Nitrogen ($0.50 to $3.00 per liter), Oxygen ($0.50 to $5.00 per liter), Argon ($1.75 to $5.00 liter), Krypton ($0.50 to $1.00 per liter) and Hydrogen ($0.02 to $0.60), whereas higher prices are associated with Neon, Helium ($8.50 to $20.00 per liter) and Xenon ($5.00 to $30.00).
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Noble & Elemental Gases Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Noble & Elemental Gases market, prices in the US have grown 3.4% from 2022 to 2025. Meanwhile, the recent three-year CAGR for Europe is +4.3%.
United States (2022-2025)
Europe (2022-2025)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
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Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Noble & Elemental Gases
Total cost of ownership is Medium in the Noble & Elemental Gases market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Restocking may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Negotiated Before
Financing
Transportation
Installation
Billed During
Hardware
Compliance
Unforeseen
Restocking
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2026, buyer power amounts to -2.7 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Developments. It is most negatively impacted by Product Specialization. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Europe
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
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- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as High, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Electric Power Transmission Providers
- Natural Gas Distributors
- Metal Tank Manufacturers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Coal & Natural Gas Power Providers
- Oil Drillers & Gas Extractors
- Metal Pipe & Tube Manufacturers
- Steel Rolling & Drawing Suppliers
Biggest Noble & Elemental Gases Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Noble & Elemental Gases vendors by revenue in the US are Air Products And Chemicals, Inc., Messer Group GmbH and L'air Liquide, S.A. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L'air Liquide, S.A. | Global | Paris, FR | >10,001 | 10-15 | ||||
| The Linde Group | US | >10,001 | 15-20 | |||||
| Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. | Global | ALLENTOWN, PA | >10,000 | 20-25 | ||||
| Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation | Global | Tokyo, JP | >10,001 | 5-10 | ||||
| Messer Group GmbH | Global | Bad Soden, DE | 1,001-10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation | Global | Tokyo, JP | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Merck KGaA | Global | Darmstadt, DE | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Coastal Welding Supply Inc. | Regional | Beaumont, TX | 101-250 | < 5 | ||||
| Universal Industrial Gases, Inc. | Local | Bethlehem, PA | 25-50 | < 5 | ||||
Looking for a list of suppliers by country?
Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.
Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Noble & Elemental Gases market is 7.4% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Overhead. The cost trend for this component is rising, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
Average vendor risk is high in this market. Supply shortages for rare gases can be severe when demand is strong, which may disproportionately impact smaller suppliers and elevate vendor risk.
Supply chain risk associated with noble and elemental gases is high due to the increased risk posed by recent tariff policy changes. While hydrogen is produced in large quantities in the United States, imports account for a large share of most other noble and elemental gas markets, meaning that these markets face a greater risk of shortages or sudden price increases.
High market share concentration is largely the result of high barriers to entry. Large capital costs, distribution networks and specialized technical requirements pose substantial barriers to new entrants, which force out smaller producers that are unable to lower their prices without incurring a financial loss.
The United States is a net importer of hydrogen and rare gases, giving buyers access to international markets for these goods, which can be leveraged for lower prices.
Supplier Information
L'air Liquide, S.A.
L'air Liquide, S.A. is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing, manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors. The company's offerings include noble & elemental gases, industrial use gases, preservatives, refrigerants, gas pressure regulators. Founded in 1902, the company is currently headquartered... Subscribe to learn more
The Linde Group
The Linde Group is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors. The company's offerings include noble & elemental gases, preservatives and refrigerants. Founded in 2012, the company is currently headquartered in Guilford, United Kingdom with an estimated employee count... Subscribe to learn more
Air Products And Chemicals, Inc.
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. is a global provider of essential industrial gases, related equipment, and services to various industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage. It supplies atmospheric gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon; process gases,... Subscribe to learn more
Messer Group GmbH
Messer Group GmbH is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing and manufacturing sectors. The company's offerings include noble & elemental gases and welding, brazing & soldering services. Founded in 2018, the company is currently headquartered in Bad Soden, Germany with an estimated 5500 employees.... Subscribe to learn more
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing and manufacturing sectors. The company's offerings include noble & elemental gases, industrial use gases, industrial robots, pallet trucks and gas pressure regulators. Founded in 2005, the company is currently... Subscribe to learn more
Coastal Welding Supply Inc.
Coastal Welding Supply Inc. is a private company operating regionally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include noble & elemental gases and industrial use gases. Founded in 1963, the company is currently headquartered in Beaumont, Texas, United States of America with an estimated 175 employees.... Subscribe to learn more
Merck KGaA
Merck KGaA is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing and manufacturing sectors. The company's offerings include noble & elemental gases, preservatives and membrane filters. Founded in 1995, the company is currently headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany with an estimated employee count of over... Subscribe to learn more
Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include noble & elemental gases. Founded in 1918, the company is currently headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with an estimated employee count of over 10,000. Subscribe to learn more
Universal Industrial Gases, Inc.
Universal Industrial Gases, Inc. is a private company operating locally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include noble & elemental gases and industrial use gases. Founded in 2005, the company is currently headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America with an estimated... Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Noble & Elemental Gases Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Average Time to Repair and Delivery In Full On Time Rate. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Compliance and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Time to Repair |
|
Number of Cylinder Failures Replacement turnaround time Number of Maintenance Hours |
The mean time to repair represents the average time it takes to repair a defective cylinder, dewar or other types of pressurized containment vessel. The mean time to repair can be used to determine the amount of time it will take to replace, or repair, a product failure. Buyers should look to suppliers with a quick turnaround to ensure the safety of products operators. |
| Delivery In Full On Time Rate |
|
Transit time Order accuracy |
Buyers should measure transit time and order accuracy to determine if suppliers are using efficient transportation modes. Order accuracy can be used to determine the likelihood of incomplete on-time orders. Suppliers with low delivery in full on time rates may result in the need for order corrections, which may come at additional costs to buyers. |
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Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Distribution
How many production and distribution points do you have around the United States?
Are transportation costs fully covered in the price of the gas products, or is there potential for extra expenses, such as fuel surcharges?
Inventory Control
Where are your manufacturing facilities located? What about your distribution centers? What products or services does each location provide?
How will product flow from supply points to multiple distribution centers?
Product Lines
What additional gases or services do you offer separate from the purchase of noble and elemental gases?
What promotional deals exist for bulk buyers?
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Noble & Elemental Gases RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should describe their organization.
Buyers should state how many establishments will be using gases covered by the contract.
Statement Of Need
Buyers must include a full list of the gases they require and their intended use, along with the cylinder size and the quantity.
Buyers must be clear what they expect the supplier to perform beyond just providing gases (e.g. assist with handling and storage).
Project Budget
Buyers should state the total dollar amount allocated for this contract, but invite suppliers to submit lower bids.
Buyers should state how long the contract lasts.
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Our Reports include:
- Opportunity assessment
- Market dynamics
- Recent developments
- Positive and warning trends
- Buyer power levers
- Price environment and market pricing
- Geographic wage rates
- Global market updates
- Total cost of ownership
- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
- Sourcing strategy guidance
