SANTIAGO, March 2 (Reuters) - Chilean lithium producer

SQM expects first-quarter 2026 sales volumes to

surpass the year-ago period by more than 15%, with quarterly

volumes rising throughout the rest of the year, executives said

on an earnings call on Monday.

The company has already contracted more than 80% of its 2026

lithium volume and is seeing strong demand from Asia-Pacific

customers, particularly in China, for increased volumes.

KEY GUIDANCE

-- Lithium prices in the first quarter expected to be

"substantially higher" than the fourth quarter's approximately

$10 per kilogram level.

-- Full-year 2026 lithium prices expected to remain closer to

current price levels than the lows seen in 2025, though

volatility anticipated.

-- Total lithium production targeted at approximately 260,000

metric tons LCE in 2026, up from about 234,000 tons in 2025.

-- In Australia, Kwinana refinery ramp-up timeline extended

into 2027 due to intermittent operational issues, causing 2026

production to lean toward concentrate sales.

-- Dividend payments to Codelco joint venture expected in

April or May.

-- Salar Futuro project environmental application expected to

be submitted around mid-year.