Why are global investors increasingly turning their attention to Chile?

Chile adheres to an open and inclusive economic policy, encourages innovation and competition, and utilizes its resources rationally and efficiently—making it one of Latin America’s most stable and sophisticated economic systems. It has sustained economic growth for two decades. In terms of foreign investment access, Chile ranks among the world’s most liberal economies and grants foreign investors national treatment. Once registered locally, foreign enterprises enjoy the same rights and treatment as domestic firms. Restrictions on foreign investment in Chile are minimal, except in sectors such as fisheries, coastal shipping, radio broadcasting, print media, and lithium mining. Government administration is relatively transparent and open. The primary role of government agencies is to formulate and continuously improve relevant regulations. Regulatory agencies oversee specific sectors—including banking, securities, insurance, health care, pension funds, public utilities (water, electricity, gas), and labor—and impose financial penalties for violations. Government bodies do not intervene in corporate operations. According to the World Bank’s *2022 Doing Business Report*, Chile ranked 59th out of 190 countries globally—and first in South America—in terms of business environment. The World Intellectual Property Organization’s *Global Innovation Index 2023* ranked Chile 52nd globally (out of 132 countries and regions) and second in South America. Additionally, the U.S.-based Heritage Foundation’s *2022 Index of Economic Freedom* ranked Chile 22nd globally (with a score of 71.1), classifying it as “mostly free.” Chile maintains the top ranking in Latin America and ranks second in the Americas, trailing only Canada. According to the *2023 World Investment Report*, Chile attracted USD 19.79 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2022; cumulative FDI stock stood at USD 256.06 billion by end-2022. According to InvestChile (Chile’s Investment Promotion Agency), Chile’s top five sources of FDI in 2022 and their respective investment amounts were: the United States (USD 8.17 billion), China (USD 4.67 billion), Canada (USD 2.81 billion), Ireland (USD 2.34 billion), and Brazil (USD 2.11 billion). 02 Diversified Industrial Development: The Engine of Economic Vitality Chile’s industrial diversification is thriving, with key sectors—including mining, fruit cultivation, winemaking, new energy, and digitalization—demonstrating robust vitality and dynamism. 1. Mining Chile is a major mining nation in Latin America. It ranks fourth globally in mining exploration investment, predominantly in copper projects, but also including gold, zinc, iron, and salt mining. Notably, Chile is one of the world’s largest producers of lithium carbonate. Its lithium reserves exceed 7.5 million tons—accounting for 52% of the global total (14 million tons). Lithium is a strategic resource in Chile; mining rights belong to the Chilean government, and extraction is subject to quota controls. Most lithium originates from the Salar de Atacama—the country’s second-largest region—which holds 81% of Chile’s lithium reserves. In recent years, Chile’s average annual lithium output has been approximately 56,000 tons (LCE equivalent), growing at an annual rate of 8–10%. Lithium ranks fourth in Chile’s mineral export revenue, behind copper, molybdenum, and iron. In 2022, Chile’s lithium output rose nearly 40% year-on-year to 303,000 tons; lithium carbonate output reached 691,000 tons—representing 30% of global production.

Lithium Resources Industry Special Report: Summary of Quarterly Reports from Overseas Lithium Resource Companies

Livent raised its full-year 2022 financial guidance. Its updated revenue guidance stands at USD 540–600 million, with adjusted EBITDA guidance at USD 160–200 million. As Livent’s project capacity saw no significant increase in 2022, sales volume is expected to remain flat year-on-year. However, surging demand for lithium from the high-growth new-energy vehicle and battery sectors is expected to drive further price increases for lithium products. Livent’s current production capacity includes: 20,000 tons/year of lithium carbonate, 25,000 tons/year of lithium hydroxide, and 9,000 tons/year of lithium chloride. Livent’s ongoing expansion projects include: a 5,000-ton lithium hydroxide expansion project in Bessemer, Alabama, scheduled to commence commercial production in Q1 2023; a lithium carbonate expansion in Argentina—Phase II (10,000 tons/year) and Phase III (10,000 tons/year)—expected to begin commercial production in Q1 2023 and Q4 2023, respectively; and Phase IV (20,000 tons/year), slated for commercial operation in 2025. Additionally, Livent holds a 25% stake in Nemaska Lithium’s integrated lithium hydroxide plant in Quebec, Canada; optimization studies are nearing completion, and commercial production is expected before 2025. Upon successful commissioning of all these expansion projects, Livent expects to raise its annual lithium carbonate capacity to 60,000 tons and lithium hydroxide capacity to 55,000 tons. 6. Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM): Lithium Product Sales in Line with Expectations; Stronger Performance Expected Next Year Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM), founded in 1968, primarily produces and sells fertilizers, chemical products, iodine, and lithium. It is the world’s largest producer of specialty plant fertilizers, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, industrial chemicals, and potassium products. SQM holds the leasehold mining rights to the world-class Atacama Salt Flat lithium brine deposit and operates the Salar del Carmen lithium processing plant. SQM’s lithium-related performance surged significantly in Q4 2021, driven by both higher volumes and prices across its lithium product portfolio. In the quarter, SQM’s lithium and derivative product sales revenue totaled USD 453 million—a 144.60% increase quarter-on-quarter and a 230.89% increase year-on-year. For the full year 2021, lithium and derivative product sales revenue amounted to USD 936.4 million, up 144.39% year-on-year. The strong quarterly performance markedly exceeded that of the prior-year period, primarily attributable to substantial increases in both sales volume and pricing for lithium products. Volume: SQM sold 31,000 tons of lithium and derivative products this quarter—a 40.09% increase quarter-on-quarter and a 20.16% increase year-on-year. Total annual sales volume in 2021 reached 101,100 tons, up 56.26% year-on-year. Pricing: The outstanding performance of SQM’s lithium business was a key driver of its robust 2021 results. Amid strong market demand and rising sales volumes, SQM’s average lithium selling price in Q4 2021 was approximately USD 14,600 per ton—a 73% increase quarter-on-quarter. The company’s average lithium product selling price for the full year 2021 was USD 9,281 per ton—more than 50% higher than the prior-year level.

Robeco Increases Stake in Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A.

Oct 22, 2026

Robeco Institutional Asset Management increased its SQM stake by 350,573 shares valued at $86.8 million. The company reported strong quarterly earnings with a 136.7% revenue increase to $2.47 billion.

MarketBeat

2026-03-31

SQM Proposes 50% 2025 Earnings Payout, Stock Rises 7.3%

2026-04-13

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile Stock Hits 52-Week High

2026-04-15

SQM (NYSE: SQM) files updated technical report summaries on Chile properties

2026-04-15

SQM Files Salar de Atacama Technical Report Summary and Consents

2026-04-17

Sociedad Quimica y Minera Shares Fall 7.2% Amid Analyst Concerns