Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) achieved its highest-ever first-quarter lithium sales volume, reporting a 27% year-on-year increase. The Chilean miner sold 55,000 tonnes of lithium products in Q1 2025, exceeding the previous year's volume by 11,500 tonnes. Despite strong sales, revenues from its lithium segment declined 8% to $502.9 million, reflecting an average realized price of $9,143 per tonne.
The company saw a 20% year-on-year rise in sales volume in its Chile lithium division, though revenue in this segment dropped 11%. The unit recorded an average lithium price of $9,319 per tonne, while its international lithium division saw lower pricing at $5,740 per tonne. CEO Ricardo Ramos noted that lithium prices remained steady at the start of the year but have softened in recent weeks due to an oversupplied market, suggesting a downward trend in Q2.
SQM highlighted robust demand from China and Europe, particularly from the EV and energy storage sectors. Production is progressing as planned, with Mount Holland’s spodumene concentrate output meeting expectations. The company continues expanding lithium carbonate and hydroxide capacity in Chile while processing lithium sulfate in China.
