WASHINGTON/SEOUL – The U.S. Worldwide Commerce Fee on Wednesday delayed a choice in a commerce secrets and techniques case involving South Korean battery makers LG Chem and SK Innovation to Feb. 10.

LG Chem, an EV battery provider for Tesla Inc. and Common Motors, filed its commerce complaints towards SK Innovation final yr in the USA over allegations of commerce secret theft, in search of to dam SK from producing battery cells within the U.S. and importing the parts essential to make the cells. SK denied wrongdoing. The choice had been anticipated on Thursday.

An antagonistic ruling by the ITC may result in an import ban on SK Innovation’s batteries and crucial parts, doubtlessly inflicting setbacks for Volkswagen Group and Ford Motor Co. as they transfer to construct new EVs.

SK Innovation is constructing its first battery factory in Georgia which is ready to start manufacturing in 2022 and may very well be affected by an antagonistic ruling. The manufacturing unit with capability of 9.8 GWh is meant to serve VW’s EV manufacturing in neighboring Tennessee.

In February, the ITC made a preliminary ruling in favor of LG Chem, which has since cut up off its battery enterprise as LG Vitality Answer.

The ITC didn’t disclose the explanation for the delay.

“We’ll proceed to take part within the lawsuit faithfully and decisively,” LG Vitality Answer stated in an announcement.

SK Innovation stated the corporate would proceed to take part within the lawsuit whatever the delay.

“Because the lawsuit is ready to increase into the third yr, SK Innovation hopes that the 2 corporations may make a smart resolution to finish the dispute promptly to resolve uncertainties and dedicate ourselves to do enterprise,” it stated in an announcement.