SQM keeps expanding into lithium glut but vows market review

The world’s No. 2 lithium producer SQM shipped record-high volume last quarter and vowed to keep growing production in Chile even as slumping prices prompt a review of “less attractive” markets. 

A 20%-plus jump in volume of the battery metal shows SQM is plowing ahead with expansions at its low-cost operations in the Atacama Desert. It’s a bet on growing market share as other producers curtail output and spending in response to the lowest prices in three years.