Chile's copper and lithium exports surged in the first half of the year

According to Mining.com, Chile's lithium export value nearly tripled year-on-year in the first half of the year, driven by rising prices and strong global demand.

Data released by the Central Bank of Chile on Wednesday shows that lithium exports reached $3.2 billion during the first six months—nearly three times the figure from the same period last year and 34.4% higher than the total export value for the full year of 2025.

Lithium carbonate saw the largest growth, followed by lithium sulfate and lithium hydroxide. Total export value rose by 20.4% to $36.9 billion.

These figures reinforce Chile's position as the world's second-largest lithium supplier, particularly as the electrification of transport, grid investment, and digital infrastructure drive growth in demand for battery materials.

Chile currently has only two lithium producers—SQM and Albemarle—but the country is seeking to expand production through state partnerships and private sector development projects.

Copper, Chile's largest export, also showed strong growth. Exports totaled $30.2 billion in the first half of the year, an 11.5% year-on-year increase driven primarily by higher prices and increased export volumes. Copper accounted for 50.1% of Chile's total exports, highlighting the country's rising prominence in supplying critical metals needed for the global energy transition.

source:https://geoglobal.mnr.gov.cn/zx/kydt/zhyw/202607/t20260710_10270703.htm