Archive · 20 Aug 2025
SQM Increases Sales Guidance, Sees Lithium Price Increase
SQM, a big lithium maker, says they will sell more this year.
Even though they made less money in the last few months, they're still planning to make more lithium.
Lithium prices went down because there was too much, but they are going up a little now because some companies in China aren't making as much.
SQM's plant in Australia has started making lithium, too.
They are investing a lot to make even more lithium in the future, even though they made less money from their sales this quarter.
The company believes prices in the next quarter could be higher than the previous.
SQM, a major lithium producer, increased its sales guidance for the year.
The company's second-quarter core earnings decreased by 28% to $307.9 million.
SQM expects a 10% rise in sales volumes from its Chilean plants this year.
Lithium prices have recently rebounded due to output cuts in China, although still lower than peak.
SQM's Kwinana refinery in Australia began commercial production in July.
- Who
- SQM, a major lithium producer, and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.
- What
- SQM boosted its sales guidance and expects higher prices for lithium.
- When
- The second quarter saw a 28% decrease in core earnings; the Kwinana refinery started production in July.
- Where
- SQM's operations are primarily in Chile and Australia.
- Why
- The company is responding to market dynamics, including output cuts in China and an expected increase in global demand.
Producers
Consumers
Production Levels
Producers
Increased production to meet global demand.
Consumers
Reduced production to balance supply and demand.
- Company
- SQM
- Q2 Core Earnings
- $307.9 million
- Sales Guidance Increase (Chile)
- 10%
- Lithium Price Change
- Rebounding but 80% below peak
- Kwinana Refinery Capacity
- 50,000 tons of lithium hydroxide by end-2026