Surging lithium exports from Australia will likely drive prices lower over the next six months, according to one of the world's biggest producers of the boom commodity.

The commentary from Chile's Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM) echoes predictions made eight months ago by the likes of Roskill and UBS, and comes as two of Australia's biggest lithium stocks Galaxy and Orocobre prepare to publish financial results in coming days.