“Demand rose in 2018, surprised us again by surpassing 27...

“Demand rose in 2018, surprised us again by surpassing 27 percent and is expected to grow at rates above 20 percent in 2019,” he said.
As a result of strong demand growth, average prices in 2018 were significantly higher than prices reported in 2017; as anticipated, prices in the fourth quarter also remained strong. We believe lithium demand could grow at least 20% in 2019
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sqm-reports-earnings-for-the-twelve-months-ended-december-31-2018-300803847.html
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I don't remember any analysts forecasting 27% growth in demand in 2018
Seems there is not enough supply, as prices in 2018 were significantly higher than in 2017.