The Chilean government is investigating exports of lithium by SQM based on licensing issues, according to local press. Panjiva data shows that 36.4% of supplies of the mined material in the U.S., used to produce lithium ion batteries, came from Chile. Imports increased 126% in August on a year earlier. China is in a similar position, with 2.2 fold growth in July as demand outstripped its own mines’ supply. Argentina could be the big winner if Chilean exports fall.