SK batteries barred

SK batteries barred

February 18, 2021 | By Keith Martin in Washington, DC

Battery manufacturer SK Innovation will be barred from importing battery components into the United States for 10 years under a US International Trade Commission decision in early February.

The ruling is the latest action in a skirmish between SK Innovation and LG Chem, two South Korean battery makers that also have US operations.

LG Chem accuses SK Innovations of stealing employees and intellectual property.

Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 gives the US International Trade Commission authority to block imported goods that benefit from unfair trade practices. For example, the section has been used to block imitation brand-name goods that violate US patents or copyrights.

President Biden has 60 days to reject the decision. SK Innovation can appeal after that to the US court of appeals.