Company: SQM
Filing Date: 2025-04-24
Form Type: 20-F
Source: 0000909037-25-000020
Chunk: 45

Company: CHEMICAL & MINING CO OF CHILE INC
Filing Date: 2025-04-24
Form: 20-F
Item: Item 4
Chunk 45
---
 fertilizers. 
Specialty plant nutrients are premium fertilizers that enable farmers to improve yields and the quality of certain crops. Our main specialty fertilizer is potassium nitrate, which is used primarily via fertigation in high-value crops. Iodine and iodine derivatives are used in a wide range of medical, agricultural, and industrial applications as well as in human and animal nutrition products. They are mainly used in the X-ray contrast media, polarizing film and pharmaceuticals. Lithium and its derivatives are mainly used in batteries, greases and frits for production of ceramics. Potassium chloride is a commodity fertilizer that is produced and sold by us worldwide. Industrial chemicals have a wide range of applications in certain chemical processes such as the manufacturing of glass, explosives and ceramics. Industrial nitrates are also being used in concentrated solar power plants as a means for energy storage. Additionally, we trade other complementary fertilizers worldwide to diversify our offerings.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we had revenues of US$4,528.8 million, gross profit of US$1,327.1 million and losses attributable to controlling interests of US$685.1 million. Our worldwide market capitalization as of December 31, 2024 was approximately US$10.2 billion.
Specialty Plant Nutrition: We offer three main types of specialty plant nutrients for fertigation, direct soil, and foliar applications: potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, and specialty blends. We also sell other specialty fertilizers, including third-party products. These products, available in solid or liquid forms, are mainly used on high-value crops like fruit, flowers, and some vegetables. They are widely utilized in modern agricultural techniques such as hydroponics, greenhouses, and fertigation (where fertilizer is dissolved in water before irrigation).
Specialty plant nutrients offer advantages over commodity fertilizers, such as quick absorption, excellent water solubility, and low chloride content. Potassium nitrate, a key product, comes in crystalline and prill forms for various applications. Crystalline potassium nitrate suits fertigation and foliar use, while prills are ideal for direct soil application.
We market our products under the following brands: Ultrasol® (fertigation), Qrop® (soil application), Speedfol® (foliar application), and Allganic® (organic agriculture).
Sophisticated customers now seek integrated solutions rather than single products. Our offerings include customized blends and agronomic services, enhancing plant