Product intelligence · HS 280429 · 2024 data

Gases, rare: other than argon

Global exports of gases, rare: other than argon totalled $3,497,792,744 in 2024, a +18.6% change from the previous year. Traded by 125 countries across 2,151 bilateral corridors, with demand from 194 importing markets. The long-term trend is rapid growth.

Data: OECD BIMTS · Coverage: 19952024 · Updated: 2026-07-17

Global trade

$3.5B

+18.6% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

+21.5%

5Y: +17.6%

Supply structure

Moderately concentrated

HHI 0.186

Volatility

Low

Score 7/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, gases, rare: other than argon trade exhibited strong growth, with global flows reaching $3,497,792,744 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of +21.5% (five-year: +17.6%). The all-time peak of $3,497,792,744 was recorded in 2024.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 86% of years recorded positive growth, indicating a predominantly expanding market. Trend momentum is strengthening (+13.0% acceleration).

The World Trade Flows Characterization classifies gases, rare: other than argon as "One-way trade" in the low price range price segment, providing additional context for market positioning and competitive dynamics.

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is moderately concentrated (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.186). The three largest exporters — Qatar ($1.3B), United States ($552.3M), and Algeria ($520.5M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at +30.6% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is diversified (HHI 0.074). The three largest import markets are France ($584.4M), China ($391.6M), and United States ($309.6M). The largest importing market sources from 42 different supplying countries.

Estimated substitution elasticity: -8.21. Buyers are highly price-sensitive and can switch between suppliers relatively easily.

The dominant trade corridor is Algeria → France at $310.8M, representing 53.2% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for gases, rare: other than argon is 7 out of 100, classified as low. Trade flows are relatively stable compared to other HS6 products, suggesting mature supply chains and predictable demand.

For market entrants, strong demand tailwinds create a favourable entry environment. A moderately concentrated market rewards differentiated positioning and strategic partner selection.

Data confidence is rated "High" based on reporting coverage and consistency across OECD member and partner countries.

Historical evidence

Annual trade value 19952024

Peak: $3,497,792,744 in 2024.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$1,641,932,283+5.7%
2016$1,295,925,417-21.1%
2017$1,376,754,318+6.2%
2018$1,360,985,584-1.1%
2019$1,555,361,945+14.3%
2020$1,782,418,084+14.6%
2021$1,952,143,095+9.5%
2022$3,211,036,454+64.5%
2023$2,950,165,147-8.1%
2024$3,497,792,744+18.6%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of gases, rare: other than argon in 2024.

View all 125 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for gases, rare: other than argon.

View all 194 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for gases, rare: other than argon, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1AlgeriaFrance$310.8M+89.6%
2QatarChina$226.1M+29.5%
3QatarFrance$197.2M+36.3%
4QatarUnited States$154.0M+27.5%
5QatarSouth Korea$123.2M+20.2%
6QatarTaiwan$118.9M+38.5%
7QatarGermany$111.0M+105.9%
8RussiaChina$103.1M+129.8%

Showing top 8 of 10 corridors with available data for 2024.

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Sources, definitions & methodology

Data source

OECD Bilateral International Merchandise Trade Statistics (BIMTS). Aggregated from 312M+ reported trade records across 200+ countries and 5,300+ HS6 product codes. Coverage: 19952024.

Key indicators

HHI (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index): market concentration, 0 = fully diversified, 1 = single player. CAGR: compound annual growth rate over a stated period. Volatility score: trade value variability, 0–100 scale.

How this page is made

All statistical content on this page is data-driven, composed programmatically from live OECD trade records. No generic AI-generated prose is used. Analytical paragraphs combine real data points with factual interpretation. This page was last refreshed on 2026-07-17.