Ben Isaacson's questions to CHEMICAL & MINING CO OF CHILE (SQM) leadership • Q2 2025
Question
Ben Isaacson of Scotiabank inquired about the long-term strategic goals for the Specialty Plant Nutrition (SPN) business, the company's current stance on the Mount Holland expansion, and the market factors that could potentially disrupt the current high prices for iodine.
Answer
Juan Pablo Bellolio, VP of Plant Nutrition, stated the SPN strategy is to grow by adding products and services to maintain brand strength and pricing. Mark Fones, CEO of the International Lithium division, confirmed the Mount Holland expansion decision is deferred beyond 2025 and will be reviewed next year. Pablo Altimiras, CEO of the Iodine division, explained that iodine demand growth is supply-constrained and that despite some new capacity expected next year, strong fundamentals should maintain stable market dynamics.