The commodities market saw significant activity during Tuesday's trading session, with SQM shares surging on the Santiago Stock Exchange. The movement follows a shift in global expectations regarding the lithium market.
SQM-B shares, the company's most actively traded assets, climbed 7.8% during the session. By midday, trading volumes approached US$43 million.
This uptick follows a recovery in mineral prices after the lows experienced between late 2025 and early 2026. In the Chinese market, current benchmarks place the price per ton above US$21,500, surpassing the US$20,000 recorded in March.
Global Supply Imbalance
Supply and demand dynamics are undergoing a structural shift. A reduction in global supply, driven by mine shutdowns and export restrictions, is exerting upward pressure on prices.
Demand for the resource is also on the rise, fueled by the expansion of the electric vehicle industry. “There is a structural issue in the lithium market, characterized by lower supply and higher demand,” Jorge Tolosa, an analyst at Vector Capital, told the specialized news outlet La Segunda.
International geopolitics are also impacting the metal's value. Uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Middle East and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz is positioning lithium as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
The positive momentum extends to other players in the sector. Year-to-date, SQM shares have gained nearly 24%, while the U.S.-based company Albemarle has seen a 35% increase over the same period.
