Business · Trade · 2 hrs ago
Canada could use helium-3 supply in future trade talks with the US
Canada produces helium-3, a rare form of helium that is used in areas including quantum computing and security screening.
Much of its supply comes as a byproduct of removing tritium from heavy water in Canadian CANDU nuclear reactors.
The United States, Russia and China mainly obtain helium-3 from nuclear weapons, and much of their supply is kept for government use.
Demand could grow as researchers develop quantum computers, which need extremely cold temperatures to operate.
The United States has also backed work to extract helium-3 from the Moon, including a NASA contract for a planned lunar mission by 2028.
The issue comes amid higher US tariffs on Canadian goods and Canadian counter-tariffs on US products.
An industry executive says Canada’s ability to stockpile and sell helium-3 could give it an advantage in future trade negotiations, though no such deal is described.
Canada may be able to use its helium-3 supply in future trade negotiations with the United States, according to industry experts cited by OilPrice.
Chris Cassin, chief executive of Zero Point Cryogenics, said Canada is well placed to stockpile and sell the rare gas.
Canada produces helium-3 as a by-product of tritium removal at its CANDU nuclear reactors.
Helium-3 is used in areas including quantum computing, deep cryogenics and neutron detection.
The article describes the potential leverage amid escalating tariffs between Canada and the United States.
- Who
- Canada and the United States are the countries involved. Chris Cassin of Zero Point Cryogenics discussed Canada’s helium-3 position.
- What
- Canada could use its helium-3 supply in future trade talks with the United States.
- When
- Future trade negotiations; no specific date is stated.
- Where
- Canada and the United States.
- Why
- Canada is a leading non-military producer of helium-3, a gas used in several technical fields.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Canadian CANDU reactors
- 17 of the world’s fleet of 26
- Canada’s helium-3 status
- Leading non-military producer globally
- U.S. tariff on Canadian exports
- Extra 50% duty, imposed in July
- Canadian response
- Dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on U.S. goods
Sources
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