Chile's lithium output to reach 335,000 tonnes in 2027, Cochilco says
2026-11-13 11:23:07 [Print]
Chilean lithium production is set to grow 3.1% year-on-year in 2027, reaching 335,000 tonnes, according to a report released Thursday by Cochilco, the state copper commission.
Output this year is expected to close at 325,000 tonnes, following a total of 311,000 tonnes in 2025.
Between January and July this year, lithium carbonate accounted for 74% of Chile's exports, sulfate for 21% and hydroxide for 5%.
Sulfate exports rose from 11% in 2025, making it a strategic product for Chinese refineries, the report said.
The global market is expected to close this year with a deficit of 79,000 tonnes, before shifting to a surplus of 42,000 tonnes in 2027, Cochilco added.
Chile holds 25% of the world's available lithium reserves. Thanks to the unique evaporation and concentration conditions of the Atacama salt flat, the country's production maintains a stable and predictable growth trajectory.
Output this year is expected to close at 325,000 tonnes, following a total of 311,000 tonnes in 2025.
Between January and July this year, lithium carbonate accounted for 74% of Chile's exports, sulfate for 21% and hydroxide for 5%.
Sulfate exports rose from 11% in 2025, making it a strategic product for Chinese refineries, the report said.
The global market is expected to close this year with a deficit of 79,000 tonnes, before shifting to a surplus of 42,000 tonnes in 2027, Cochilco added.
Chile holds 25% of the world's available lithium reserves. Thanks to the unique evaporation and concentration conditions of the Atacama salt flat, the country's production maintains a stable and predictable growth trajectory.
Lithium Carbonate 99.2%min Delivered China
Unit:RMB/mt
China‘s lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide producers' output statistics by province by month
Unit: mt
