U.S. imports of Helium-3 (HS 284540) totaled $43K in September 2026, imported from 2 countries.
Helium-3 imports of $43K in September 2026 ran 94% below the year-to-date monthly average of $696K.
Last updated: September 2026 dataHelium-3 is an exceptionally scarce stable isotope with critical applications in neutron detection, quantum computing research, and cryogenic cooling, making it one of the most supply-constrained specialty gases in global trade. Classified under 2845400000, it is distinct from common helium-4 and commands a significant price premium reflecting its limited production — primarily as a byproduct of tritium decay in nuclear weapons stockpiles. Canada and France are among the leading suppliers to the US market, with Russia also a notable source given its legacy nuclear infrastructure.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
1 import shipments a month
Helium-3 is produced almost exclusively as a decay product of tritium, which is generated in nuclear weapons programs. Global production is tightly limited, and demand from neutron detection and scientific research has historically outpaced supply. Importers should expect long lead times, allocation-based purchasing, and significant price volatility.
While helium-3 is a stable (non-radioactive) isotope and does not require NRC licensing on that basis, it may be subject to export controls in supplier countries due to its strategic sensitivity. US importers should verify that the exporting country's authorities have cleared the shipment and that end-use documentation is in order.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 284540 — Helium-3, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
Subheading 3 of 5 in heading 2845
Subheading 284540 · $43K of $12.6M
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2845400000 | Helium-3 | $1.3M | 10.00% | 100.00% | $134K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2845400000 | Helium-3 | $304K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$43KYoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
Low of 10 reported months · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to September 2026, the U.S. imported $7.6M of Helium-3.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through September 2026 · imports 10 of 12 months reported, exports 10 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · September 2026
origin
France and Canada together supply 100% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
duty collected equals 10.00% of imports for consumption.